Andrew Felix Schwertner

Andrew Felix Schwertner, 95, of Rowena, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025.

He was born on July 10, 1929, to Walter William and Mary Annie (Woehl) Schwertner on the family farm in Rowena, Texas. As a young man, Andrew learned the ways of the land from his father. His life was a testament to the enduring spirit of the American farmer. He married the love of his life, Rosa Sturm on September 3, 1947, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, Texas. Together they celebrated 74 years of marriage, a true testament to the beauty of a farming family.

Andrew was one heck of a shot as well with his ’22. In the early morning hours before it was time to get on his tractors, he and his son Andy would go out to hunt rabbits and he never missed one. He loved two things…farming and fords. The Model T that he rebuilt was a huge matter of pride for him. During the years of the drought, he worked for Monarch Tile and Kolymer to make ends meet. In the late 50’s he moved his family to the Winters area where he farmed for several years before he moved back to the Lowake area, which was known for the original settlers the Schlake and Lowe families. He then rented a larger farm before finally purchasing the family farm in the early 60’s where there they grew cotton, milo and wheat along with livestock of all kinds. Andrew was also an excellent welder and water witcher, known to drill wells all over his property, and as a witcher for many other local farmers as well, providing a much-needed service. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mary Schwertner, his wife Rosa Schwertner, his brothers Alfred F., Ben R., and Armin Schwertner, his sisters Elsie A. Wilde, Rosalie Sturm, Lucy M Cmerek, and Marie A. Schwertner. Andrew is also preceded by his Son-in-law Joe Hodge, Jr. and his great-great-grandson Carter Joe Alberthal.

Andrew is survived by his son Andy Schwertner and wife Dolores, as well as his daughters Janet Hodge, and Rita Moeller and husband David. He will be greatly missed as well by his 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held for Andrew on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 1:30 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, Texas. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow immediately after at 2:00 pm, celebrated by Father Ariel Lagunilla. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, also in Rowena.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Texas Rehab in Andrew’s honor or another charity of choice.

The family wishes to thank all the caring nurses and staff at Ballinger healthcare and rehab as well as the staff at Ballinger home health and hospice for all the excellent care throughout many years of service.

Dad you are now at peace and in the loving arms of mom once again. You have left a strong work ethic legacy with your children and grandchildren which we will carry on for generations to come. You are now united with your parents and brothers and sisters, endless relatives and loved ones. We will miss you, Dad.