Bernard Royal Schwanke

Bernard Royal Schwanke, age 93 of Morristown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Traditions of Waterville.

Bernard was born in Faribault, Minnesota on May 16, 1927 to Royal and Larratta (Korsch). He was raised on a farm in Iosco Township south of Waterville, Minnesota. Bernard married Margaret (Betty) Morris on October 10, 1953 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Waterville. Bernard and Betty lived their entire lives in the Waterville and Morristown area.

Bernard worked in the trucking, farming, and construction fields and then retired from Mercury Minnesota after 28 years of service. He also served in the United States Army, Staff Sergeant (E5), from 1950 to 1952.

Bernard was a member of the American Legion Post 149 and founding advisor to the Sons of the American Legion. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, canning, and spending time with family, especially time with his grandchildren. In recent years Bernard was an active member of the First Baptist church in Waterville where he enjoyed attending worship, senior group luncheon events and assisting with the Church Day Camp. Along with Betty, Bernard was involved in the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program at the Waterville Good Samaritan Nursing home.

Bernard is survived by his five children: Steven Schwanke (Rebecca) of Eagan, Minnesota; Randy Schwanke (Diane) of Dayton, Ohio; Gerald Schwanke (Nancy) of Mayer, Minnesota; Susan Stangler (Jeff) of Waterville, Minnesota; and Mike Schwanke of Faribault, Minnesota. Bernard is also survived by his grandchildren: Joshua (Sarah) Schwanke, Rosanna (Aaron) Monson, Kathryn Schwanke, Amanda (Richard) Middleton, Zachary (Missy) Schwanke, Vanessa (Jeremy) Anderson, Andrew Schwanke, Benjamin Schwanke, Kristin (Michael) Mertins, Karissa Stangler and her fiancé Tony Houn, Kayleen Stangler, Derek Schwanke, Madalyn Schwanke, Michelle (Eric) Moline, Molly Sterling, and Mary Beth Papadakis; and eleven great grandchildren. Bernard is also survived by his brother, Marlyn Schwanke; and sisters: Janet Hirdler, Beverly Teske, and Roselle Nusser.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his brothers Raymond, Lewis, Howard, David, and Arlan; and by his sisters Opal Mlenek, Arlene Bauer, and Doris Mae Kadrlic; and three infant siblings.

Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday September 12, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Waterville with Pastor Gene Witte officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 AM on Saturday prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Morristown.

Arrangements are being handled by Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville. Dennisfuneralhomes.com