Dean Schwanke

Dean F. Schwanke, age 76 of Sauk Centre, died Thursday, January 24, 2008 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 28 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Marty Porter will officiate with interment following in Lakeview Cemetery, near Grey Eagle.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Dean Schwanke was born August 20, 1931 in Round Prairie Township, Todd County, Minnesota to Walter and Katherine (Bense) Schwanke. On February 22, 1953 he married Magdalen Gerads in Grey Eagle. The couple farmed near Grey Eagle until retiring and moving to their home on Sauk Lake.Dean was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Dean enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing, and traveling, and he had the best fed birds. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Magdalen Schwanke of Sauk Centre; three sons, Ron (Susan) Schwanke of South Haven, Loren (Gisela) Schwanke of Rice, and Lee (Mary Lynn) Schwanke of St. Paul; five grandchildren, Brittany, Brock, and Bowen of St. Paul, Patrick and Erin of South Haven; great-grandson, Hunter of St. Paul; brother, Lloyd (Diane) Schwanke of Alexandria; and sister, Kay (Don) Nelson of Cushing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Eugene and Johnny Schwanke.

Serving as casket bearers will be Ron, Loren, Lee, Bowen, Brock, and Patrick Schwanke.

Dean's family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of St. Michael's Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Michael's Hospice.