Theodore (Ted) C. Schwan ’42

Theodore (Ted) C. Schwan, died Sept. 29, 2014, in San Ramon, Calif. Ted was the son of the late Rev. Theodore E. and Erna Hoffman Schwann. In 1942, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Valparaiso University and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.

He married Betty Kelley, whom he had met in high school in Mishawaka, Ind. After the war, Ted returned to Indiana, where he taught chemistry at Valparaiso University in 1948.

While at Valpo, his research included experiments in polymer chemistry and alternative energy sources for vehicles. He also taught around the world and with his family enjoyed many international adventures.

Ted received many grants and awards, including the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund Grants, Best Teacher Award at King Faisal University College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia, Valparaiso University Alumni Distinguished Teacher Award, Top 150 Most Influential Valpo People Award, and Valparaiso Parks Foundation Volunteer of the Year. He and his wife also established the Schwan Family Scholarship Fund at Valparaiso University.

Ted retired from Valpo as professor emeritus after 37 years of service and moved to Thousand Oaks, Calif. where he was senior mentor at California Lutheran University.

Ted is survived by his wife Betty, who also received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Valparaiso University, four children — T. Carl Schwan ’66 (Ruth Ann), Judy Schwan Gordon ’69 (Robert ’69), Kurt Schwan ’71 (Penny), and Margaret Schwan Beeler ’76 (Gary Brett), eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.