Obituary of Walter J. Schwendig

Age 95 November 17, 1921 – June 13, 2017 Walter was born to Joseph and Rose (Peterka) Schwendig in South St. Paul, MN. Walter graduated from South St. Paul HS in 1941. Walter served in the Army during WWII from Sept 1942 – Oct 1945. Walter was proud to tell you he drove a Sherman Tank with Pattons Army and of his travels from North Africa to Berlin. He was awarded the Purple Heart & Good Conduct Medal. Walter had a variety of jobs with the longest run at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for 25 years. Walter was united in marriage to the love of his life Rachael Jansen on October 1, 1949. They were blessed with 4 daughters – and Walter would tell you he was out-numbered. Walter started building furniture in high school and continued his love as a master woodworker throughout his life. He built everything from children’s toys, furniture, cabinetry to additions on buildings. In retirement Walter would sell his woodwork at craft fairs. He truly enjoyed the art of carpentry. Walter’s high school year book quote was “I hear music – mighty fine music”. His joy of music included playing tenor saxophone, accordion and sousaphone. Walter found pleasure riding motorcycles and was an avid duck and pheasant hunter. After retirement Walter and Rachael moved to Duluth where they joined St. Michael’s church and the Serendipity social group. Walter was a lifetime Knight’s of Columbus member since 1956; Grand Knight from July 1994-June 1996, organizing many community, volunteer and service activities. Walter enjoyed fishing on Lake Superior. Walter and Rachael enjoyed cross country skiing, hosting sled dog teams for the Beargrease Sled dog Marathon. Walter enjoyed planting and harvesting a large vegetable garden. Walter continued his passion of bee-keeping with Buzz and Bloom Apiary in Duluth. After living 14 years in Duluth, Walter & Rachael moved back to West St Paul and enjoyed being closer to family. Walter was preceded in death by his parents. Rose and Joseph Schwendig. Walter will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 67 years, Rachael; daughters, Barb, Debie (Charlie), Teresa (Paul), Trude (Paul); grandchildren, Kristine (Felipe), Joseph, Marlowe, Amber; his niece and nephews; and his little sister, Dorothy. Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 PM Tuesday, June 20 at the CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH, 1154 Seminole Ave., West St. Paul. Visitation 5 -7 PM Monday 6/19 with a short prayer service at 6:30 PM at Willwerscheid Natural Burial & Cremation, 235 W. Wentworth Ave., West St. Paul. An additional visitation will be held at church 1 hour prior to Mass. Luncheon after Mass. Burial service at Fort Snelling Wednesday 6/21. Meet at Assembly Area #3 at 10:05 AM. A special heart-felt thank you to the wonderful staff at the VA including Dr Roth, Dr Bertog, Missy Bell, Jessica Anderson, 3L Nursing staff and to the staff at Our Lady of Peace. Memorials to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, St Paul; St Joseph’s Church, West St. Paul or VA Medical Center, Mpls.