Gilbert Emil Fred Schwanz

Gilbert Emil Fred Schwanz, the son of Herman and Anna (Klinger) Schwanz was born on July 22, 1926 in South Branch Township, Watonwan County, MN. He was baptized on August 8, 1926 and confirmed on June 2, 1940 at St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch, rural St. James, MN. He attended St. John's Lutheran School at South Branch and graduated from the eighth grade. On December 19, 1947 Gilbert was united in marriage to Lucille Robinson at St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch. They made their home and farmed in South Branch Township where they raised five children, Kevin, Kathleen, Sandra, Kurtis and Sharon. Gilbert was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch, where he served in the men's club as well as many other boards over the years. He was on the Truman Farmer's Elevator Board for 10 years. Gilbert loved playing cards, visiting with many friends and being involved with his family and community. He loved singing and listening to music of all types, polkas to operas. Gilbert died on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at his home in Truman, surrounded by family. Gilbert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucille Schwanz, Truman, MN; one son, Kevin Schwanz of Bemidji, MN; three daughters, Kathleen LaFrensen and partner Bill Brant, Kansas City, MO, Sandra Schwanz and husband Pat Cook, Minneapolis, MN, Sharon Thoms, Arizona; five grandchildren, Matthew Schwanz, Anne McNutt, Daniel Thoms, Andrea Schwanz, Sarah Schwanz; seven great grandchildren, Nathan Schwanz, Katie, Darby, Zoe and Liam McNutt, Brent and Kale Iverson; brother, Herman Schwanz and wife Carol, Truman, MN, brother, George Schwanz and wife, Mary Jo, Brookly Center, MN; one sister, Ruth Wentzel and husband Herman, Defiance, OH. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kurtis Schwanz; one grandson Eruch Schwanz; one brother, Martin Schwanz; seven sisters, Esther Vogt, Evelyn Bonkoski, Gertrude Mau, Loretta Anderson, Dorothy Kettner, Marlene Schwanz, Veda Schwanz; four brothers-in-law, Emil Vogt, Robert Bonkoski, Donald Anderson, Floris Kettner and one sister-in-law, Doris Schwanz.