Dr. John W. Schwietert Dr. John W. Schwietert, D.C., FICC, 86, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Dr. Schwietert, a South Dakota native, was born in Sioux Falls on April 7, 1923, the son of a 2nd generation chiropractor. After he served in the United State Navy during World War II, John received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Minneapolis, Minn. He married Mary T. Davis on January 1, 1949 He established his first practice in Sioux Falls in 1949 and then moved his practice to Rapid City in 1952. His oldest son, Dr. David A. joined him in January 1973 until 1983 when he opened his own office. His son Dr. James W. joined him in January 1984, (so both sons are 4th generation chiropractors!). His son in law, Dr. Patrick J. Clinch joined him in January of 1985 and later opened his own office in May of 1986. Dr. John finally retired from active practice in 2006, after 59 years of serving his patients. Dr. Schwietert is a 59 year member and past president of the S.D. Chiropractors Assn.; a charter member and Past President of the American Chiropractic Assn. He maintained his membership in the ACA Council on Diagnostic Imaging, of which his father. Dr. A.W. Schwietert was a founder. He was extremely active in multiple civic organizations throughout his life. Dr. Johns Masonic history began in 1953 and continued throughout his life. He served in multiple leadership positions within the various Masonic organizations, including Potentate of NAJA Shrine in 1985. The South Dakota Chiropractors Association presented Dr. John with the first "Dr. John W. Schwietert Spirit of Service Award". This award recognizes South Dakota Chiropractors who have served their patients for more than 50 years. This award honors Dr. Schwietert's life long legacy of caring for his patients and the sacrifices he and others have given to their patients with love and passion. He was a great storyteller and believed in spreading the gospel of the healing value of humor. He often said, How can you stop doing that which you love and gives you much satisfaction serving others? His motto was; Id rather wear out than rust out. Survivors include his daughter, Cynthia J. Clinch and her husband Dr. Patrick, 2 sons, Dr. David A. Schwietert, and his wife, Rhonda and Dr. James Schwietert, and his wife Dr. Deb, all of Rapid City; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2006. A reception - visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at First Christian Church in Rapid City with Pastor Marvin Flowers officiating. Future inurnment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the NAJA Shrine Travel Fund, the Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House and FCER Foundation.