Robert Schwan

Minot

Surrey, ND – Robert Joseph Schwan, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024, in Minot, North Dakota. He spent many recent days at Trinity Medical Center where he received excellent care. The nursing staff, physicians and ancillary staff were very caring to Bob and his family.

Bob was born on the 22nd day of June, 1940, to Vincent and Barbara (Schell) Schwan, as the second of seven children. He was born in Rugby, ND and later the Schwan family moved to Minot, ND. He attended and graduated from St. Leo’s Catholic School in Minot. After graduating from high school Bob enlisted in the Army and was trained as a machine gun repairman and supply specialist.

He met Carol Effertz while in high school and they married in 1961 after he was discharged from the Army. Bob worked for the Boeing Company during the installation of nuclear missile sites in the upper Midwest. He then worked as the buyer at Northland Sporting Goods until that business sold out. Bob subsequently trained as a barber and practiced that trade until his retirement. Bob and Carol had three children; Dale (Lorilyn) Schwan, Karen (Mike) Schwan Holman and Patrick (Colleen) Schwan.

Bob was a loving father and grandfather. He played with his kids when they were little, spent quality time with family and friends, and looked after elderly family members in their decline. If you were a friend of Bob’s, you knew what a good friend was. Bob enjoyed sports, as well as hunting, and was “The Biggest Fan” – coaching his sons in baseball and later always attending baseball, basketball and football games for his sons and grandsons. He also enjoyed attending music and other events that involved his kids and grandkids. He participated in the annual deer hunt with family and friends for over 30 years – always an amazing bonding time whether the hunt was successful or not.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bernadette (Bob) Wright; brother, Richard (Rita) Schwan. He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Dale (Lorilyn) Schwan, Patrick (Colleen) Schwan, and Karen (Mike) Schwan Holman; grandchildren, Nicholas, Mallory, Briana, Tyler, and Brady (Brenna) Schwan; siblings, Jerry Schwan, Joanne (Joe) Feist, Sandy (Kim) Nordstrom, Dennis Schwan; sister-in-law, Judy Schwan; and by many nephews, nieces, and other extended family.

A memorial gathering will be held at St. Leo Catholic Church in Minot on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5 – 7pm with a prayer service starting at 7 pm. Bob’s funeral service will also be held at St. Leo Catholic Church in Minot on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11am. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com. Burial will take place at Sawyer Cemetery in Sawyer, ND at a later date. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 25, 2024.