Gary W. Schwetz

Gary W. Schwetz, 61, formerly of New Holland, PA died Friday, January 5, 2018 at Maple Farm Nursing Center in Akron, PA. His wife, Stephanie Ann (Mellinger) Schwetz, preceded him in death in 2014.

Born in Cadott, WI, he was the son of William and Gloria (Lodahl) Schwetz of Cadott, WI.

Gary was last employed as a Director of Programs for The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) in Wilmington, DE.

He was a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church, New Holland.

Gary earned a Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1978, and a Masters Degree in Public Horticulture Administration from the University of Delaware in 1996, through the Fellows Program at Longwood Gardens.

After graduating from UW-Platteville, Gary moved to Pennsylvania where he met his beloved wife Stephanie, and worked at Sperry New Holland for a time. Gary had a passion for the outdoors, especially horticulture, and an encyclopedic knowledge of plants, which he successfully leveraged in his work at The DCH.

Surviving in addition to his parents are two children: Lauren married to Elija VanSteenvoort, Elverson PA and Jonathan Adam Schwetz, New Holland PA; a grandson Jude S. VanSteenvoort and three sisters: Diane Schwetz, Seabrook, TX; Jane Remmers, Fort Collins, CO; and JoAnn Danielson, Cadott, WI.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Evangelical United Methodist Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to The DCH (www.thedch.org), 1810 N. Dupont St., Wilmington, DE 19806. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.