Dennis Leroy Schwichtenberg

DENNIS LEROY SCHWICHTENBERG, age 83, died October 28, 2024, at Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato. 

Dennis was born March 17, 1941 in Waterville, Minnesota and baptized at Trinity Lutheran in Waterville. He lived on the family farm northeast of Waterville with his parents, Paul and Ruth Lamont Schwichtenberg. He started school in a one room country schoolhouse near Horseshoe Lake. Later he attended school in Waterville before moving to St. Clair and graduating from St. Clair High School in 1958.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years, stationed in San Antonio and Honolulu. After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended the Minnesota School of Business and became a court reporter.

His first job was with a company who had a government contract to provide written transcripts for many politicians. This required a lot of travel with many politicians including Hubert Humphrey, Senator Bob Dole, Senator Ted Kennedy and Governor George McGovern. 

On March 6, 1963, Dennis married Jeanne Wrightson of Garden City. Dennis wanted to be closer to home and applied for a job in Fairmont. He became the court reporter for Martin County, a position he held until retirement in 2005. Dennis and Jeanne lived in Fairmont for a few years until they built their new home near Welcome.

Dennis' passion was people. He loved being with friends and if you were a stranger, you would soon be a friend. He particularly loved his grandchildren and enjoyed being with them. He also loved family events and reunions and was always in attendance.

He was a lifetime member of Lee C Prentice Legion Post 36 and served as their gambling manager for twenty years. He was also a member of the Fairmont Fire Department and served as an advisor at Jackson Technical College.

He owned a number of businesses over the years including Lake Aires Supper Club, Denny’s on the Mall clothing store, Dennys Auto, a hydroponic tomato farm and a free-lance court reporting business.

Dennis is survived by his sons, Shawn (Tracy) and Grady (Amanda); daughter-in-law, Holly (Justin) Neusch. He is also survived by grandchildren, Andrea Schwichtenberg, Dakota (Kathryn) Schwichtenberg, Hannah Neusch, Jared Schwichtenberg, Rachel Schwichtenberg, Kayla Schwichtenberg, Bailey Schwichtenberg, Kori (Zack) Francisco, and Colby Schwichtenberg; brothers, Donovan (Myrna) Schwichtenberg, Leon (Marlene) Schwichtenberg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, infant sister and son, Corey Schwichtenberg.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Sakatah Cemetery in Waterville.