Alexander Schwindt

Alexander Schwindt Jr., was born in Ellenwood, Kansas, the son of Alexander Schwindt Sr. and Eva Elizabeth Schwindt. He had three sisters, Marie, Rose and Lydia. His family moved to Portland Oregon in the late 1920s. Alex attended Benson Polytechnic High School. After High School he joined the Army/Air Force and served his country until the end of World War II. Soon after returning from the war, Alex married Betty Jane Rahn whom he had known growing up. Alex and Betty had four children. Alex worked at Rose City Upholstery and eventually owned and operated Gateway Upholstery in NE Portland. He was a skilled craftsman and ran his successful business until retirement. Alex was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Tillamook area where he and Betty later retired. Alex took the skills he acquired at Benson High School and over the years built three homes for his family. His expertise encompassed design, structural engineering, electrical, and plumbing and he always acted as his own contractor. Alex was also an accomplished musician and played the accordion with such finesse that one would think he belonged on Lawrence Welk playing polkas with the band! Alex was a Blazer fan and in his later years took great joy in watching Blazer games. He enjoyed playing bridge and poker. Alex died peacefully in his sleep at age 89 and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and friend to all. Alex was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane; and later in life his close friend, Darlene. He is survived by his sons, Alexander III of Pacific City, Randolph of Cave Junction and David of Portland; daughter, Patricia of Point Arena, CA; grandsons, Brian of Portland, Douglas of West Linn, Stephen of Portland and Jason of Santa Cruz, CA; granddaughters, Julia LaRose of Seattle, Sarah Schwindt of New Orleans, and Nicolle DeMaestri of San Francisco; great grandsons, John Schwindt and Clifford LaRose; and great granddaughter, Sylvia LaRose. There will be a private family celebration of his life. Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard, Oregon.