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Federation family,<br><br>
I regret to inform you of the loss of David Schwartzkopf, who passed away
on February 13. His obituary is pasted below, and his family requests
that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Federation of
the Blind of Minnesota. David was the first chair of the State
Rehabilitation Council – Blind and, as you will see from the following
text, no stranger to advocacy work. He was also a member of our
federation family for many years.<br><br>
Please keep the Schwartzkopf family in your thoughts and
prayers.<br><br>
Kindly,<br><br>
Ryan<br><br>
<br><br>
Obituary<br><br>
David Schwartzkopf<br><br>
Feb 13, 2022<br><br>
Longtime resident of Rochester, David Allen Schwartzkopf, died on
February 13, 2022, he was 79. David was born in Pulaski, Wisconsin to
Lillie and William Schwartzkopf on June 11, 1942. From birth, David had
Cerebral Palsy and developed Macular Degeneration as a child which caused
the slow loss of his vision. He was identified as Intellectually Disabled
in his early school years. Fortunately, two teachers thought David should
have an IQ test; his score was very high. He would graduate from Pulaski
High School in 1960 then attain degrees in Mathematics and Physics at the
University of Wisconsin.<br><br>
<br><br>
David was hired at IBM in 1967 as a Systems Programmer in Poughkeepsie,
New York. He then transferred to IBM Rochester as a Systems Programmer.
David was instrumental in the development of a process for small
computers to print Braille. He was also a key contributor in System 3
software. IBM Boca Raton was David's next assignment. David then returned
to IBM Rochester, where he would retire after 30 years. During his first
Rochester assignment, IBM graciously donated his services to the State of
Minnesota. David was appointed as the Assistant Commissioner of
Rehabilitation, then received a commendation for his service from Rudy
Perpich.<br><br>
<br><br>
The appointment was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment to advocacy
for the disabled community. David's independence and belief in the
abilities of ALL would be an inspiration to many. He would serve on
multiple boards and commissions to support disabled individuals right to
work and live independently. He used his experience to assist in the
creation of The Americans with Disabilities Act. David was also the
Workforce Development Manager for the Goodwill Easter Seals in St. Paul,
MN and the Executive Director for Southeast Minnesota Center for
Independent Living in Rochester, MN.<br><br>
<br><br>
Throughout his career in the private and public sectors, David received
numerous awards. Two awards were from presidents, three from governors,
and one from the mayor of Rochester. Several other agencies also formally
recognized David. George H. W. Bush personally presented the 1990
Disabled American of the Year Award to David in Washington D.C. The city
of Rochester awarded David the Medal of Honor in 1987. David's smile was
a mile wide when he and others represented the disabled community as a
torch bearer in 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.<br><br>
<br><br>
David was a man of keen intellect and limitless ability. His life was a
testament to the importance of astute educators, publicly minded
corporations and an indomitable spirit.<br><br>
<br><br>
David is survived by four stepchildren, Deborah (John) Erar, Robert
Martin, Jr. (Olivia Nyhus), Michael (Jodi) Martin and Thomas Martin;
sister, Jeanne Davis, 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wife, Jean Martin;
mother, Lillie Schwartzkopf and brother, William Schwartzkopf.<br><br>
<br><br>
Due to Covid-19, a limited local Celebration of Life will be held by
invitation only. A Family and Friends Celebration of Life will be held in
Hibbing, Minnesota in June of 2022. Details will be posted in the
Rochester Post Bulletin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may
be made to the National Federation for the Blind of Minnesota
(nfbmn.org). Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the
Schwartzkopf family.<br><br>
<br><br>
Services<br><br>
There are no events scheduled.<br><br>
<br><br>
Care, Commitment, and Compassion. Our funeral directors are here
for you 24/7.<br><br>
Info<br><br>
5421 Royal Place NW<br><br>
Rochester, MN 55901<br><br>
<a href="mailto:office@ranfranzandvinefh.com">
office@ranfranzandvinefh.com</a><br><br>
Call Us: 507-289-3600<br><br>
Fax Us: 507-289-5873<br><br>
<br><br>
Copyright © 2022 Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Social Site by Funeral
Innovations<br><br>
<br><br>
<b>From:</b> Judy Sanders
<<a href="mailto:jsanders.nfb@comcast.net">jsanders.nfb@comcast.net</a>
> <br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, February 18, 2022 4:08 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'Jennifer Dunnam'
<<a href="mailto:jennifer.dunnam1829@gmail.com">
jennifer.dunnam1829@gmail.com</a>>; 'Steve Jacobson'
<<a href="mailto:steve.jacobson@outlook.com">
steve.jacobson@outlook.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> FW: David Schwarzkopf<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<b>From:</b> Judy Sanders
<<a href="mailto:jsanders.nfb@comcast.net">jsanders.nfb@comcast.net</a>
> <br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, February 18, 2022 4:06 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'NFBMN President'
<<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> David Schwarzkopf<br><br>
<br><br>
Ryan,<br><br>
<br><br>
Yesterday, you should have received a text from a member of David’s
family telling you of his passing on Feb. 13. She specifically said on
the phone with me that David wanted donations to go to the NFBMN. This
should probably go out to all members.<br><br>
<br><br>
I’m not sure if you knew him; if not. Jennifer, Steve or I can
help.<br><br>
<br><br>
Judy<br><br>
<br><br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br><br>
Pronouns: he, him, his<br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfbmn.org</a><br><br>
(612) 872-9363<br><br>
Live the life you Want.</blockquote></body>
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