Robert G Schwenke

About Bob

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."

With deep sorrow, we announce that Robert (Bob) Schwenke was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 2, 2024. He was a cherished husband, father and friend and a passionate sportsman who found joy and peace in the great outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or just walking in the woods. His love for nature was a testament to his adventurous spirit and appreciation of God's creation.

Bob was born on January 9, 1940 in Hammond, Indiana to William and Esther Schwenke. In 1954 his family moved to Schererville, Indiana. When he was in 8th grade, he met Diana Duncan who would become the love of his life. They quickly became good friends and then began dating when they were 16. Both attended high school in Schererville and then attended Purdue University where Bob earned a degree in Forestry in 1962.

On June 23rd 1962, Bob married Diana and they spent their honeymoon driving to Salem, Oregon where he worked for the US Bureau of Land Management. That same year, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves where he served as a Staff Sargent until 1968.

In 1966, they moved to Minnetonka, Minnesota where he began working for American Plywood Association. That same year, they welcomed their first child William (Bill) to the family. They later welcomed their children Leah (1968), Ben (1970), and Lida (1974). They built their life in Minnetonka where they attended Minnetonka Lutheran Church. Bob worked in sales of wood products for a number of companies throughout his career, including Woodland Container, Villaume Industries, Trus-Joist, and Weyerhaeuser. He loved sales and always was the guy who brought the doughnuts to meetings. In 2005, Bob and Diana moved to their home in Nevis, MN on Spider Lake. This was the dream they worked for most of their lives. They purchased the land in 1974 and began to build their retirement dream and legacy they wanted for their children and grandchildren. There they camped, fished, hunted, and had many a night around the fire with family and friends building memories and a love for the land. They retired to their lake home in 2005 and joined First Lutheran in Akeley.

Bob and Diana's love for one and commitment to one another, their children and their faith was unsurpassed.

Bob believed that Jesus offers and promises eternal life, Jesus would meet him at the moment of death and that God only wants the best for us all. He was fully confident in God's promises and believed that he would be united with all his loved ones in perfect peace, joy, and harmony.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diana (Duncan) Schwenke; his children, Bill Schwenke, Leah McNamee, Ben Schwenke (Annette) and Lida Brisk, his grandchildren, Gina and Ivy Brisk, llulia (Lake) McNamee; and special friends, Cal and Jan Kehr.

"I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.”

-John 11:24b, NRSV

memorial service

Celebration of Bob's Life

September 14, 2024

First Lutheran Church 10 Pleasant Ave SE, Akeley, MN 56433, USA

Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Funeral Home