"Dave, Wishing you serenity at this time. My thoughts are with you and your family. Mary Ann"
In loving memory of
LaVerne Alfred Schwantz
May 25, 1926 - September 20, 2006
St. Charles, MN
LaVerne Alfred Schwantz, 80, of St. Charles, MN, died Wednesday evening at his home after suffering a brief battle with mesothelioma.
LaVerne was born on May 25, 1926, to Alfred and Henrietta (Kroning) Schwantz in Elgin, MN. His family moved to a farm in rural Altura in 1932, where LaVerne attended Altura Country School. On June 6, 1952, he married Marian Wachholz at Immanuel Lutheran Church - Silo. They made their home and raised their five children on the family farm. After moving to St. Charles in 1986, LaVerne still remained active on the farm and enjoyed helping his sons. He was a member of Jehovah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altura, was a past member of the church council, and was currently a finance committee member. LaVerne enjoyed woodworking, farming, was an avid card player, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marian; five children, Virginia (Doug) Swenson of Balaton, MN, David Schwantz of Altura, MN, Daryl (Susan) Schwantz of Lewiston, MN, Philip (Sandy) Schwantz of Altura, MN, and Sara Schwantz of Rochester, MN; ten grandchildren, Erich, Christopher, Seth, and Jonathon Swenson; Jason, Adam, Michael, and Jacob Schwantz; and Brittany and Lindsay Schwantz. LaVerne also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends.
LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Kayla.
The Funeral Service for LaVerne will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2006, at Jehovah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altura at 11:00 AM with Reverend David Fischer and Reverend Michael Lindemann co-officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM on Friday, September 22 at Hoff Funeral Home-St. Charles Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be directed to the charity of the donor's choice. Please feel free to share a memory of LaVerne with the family or sign the on-line guestbook at hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"May God make you strong in this trying time. My heart goes out to you and to the whole family. Peace and Prayers to all."
"PHIL AND DAVE, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DADS PASSING, HE CERTAINLY LIVED A LONG AND FULLFILLING LIFE. HE HAD TO BE VERY PROUD OF THE FAMILY HE RAISED AND LIFE THAT HE LIVED. THINKING OF YOU GUYS WITH SYMPATHY AS YOU GRIEVE THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY."
"Merle and Oscar were very good friends of LaVerne and marion, and their son Darrel and Susan, We remember had moved to Oscars Uncles Farm north of Lewiston. We enjoyed the short time on the Senior Citizen bowling team the the Headkees had started many years ago. The world will be a lesser place without LaVerne, but you will soon remember all the great times together through your life with LaVerne, and your family Wil all pitch in to Help marion, She needs you around more now. Take care, and God bless you all. The Krenzke's Rochester, MN."
"We offer our sympathy on the loss of your father. May he shine with the stars in heaven, and may your grief be lightened by faith."
"So sorry for the loss of LaVerne. I have fond memories of visiting the farm with my parents and playing outside. Love to you all."
"To Dave and Family: Our hearts go out to you and yours .... our deepest sympathies. Wishing for you His peace and comfort through the times ahead."
"God be with you in this sad, trying time. May the peace of the Lord, which truly surpasses ANY human understanding, be with you all."