Funeral service will be 11 am on Thursday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Deb Bergstrand will officiate, and ennichement will follow in the New Ulm City Cemetery Columbarium.

Visitation will be from 9-11 am on Thursday at the church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Keith is survived by his daughters, Tami (Brad) Beckman of Apple Valley, Sandi (Randy) Sweeny of Blaine; and his grandchildren, Trevor, Leigha, Brady, and Troy Beckman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Marlys in 1996.

Keith Richard Schwager was born April 25, 1937 in Sherburn to Merlin and Grace (Brolsma) Schwager. He was a 1955 graduate from Sherburn High School, and furthered his education at the Minnesota State University in Mankato where he attained a degree in English and Speech Education. Keith was united in marriage to Marlys Jones on May 14, 1960 in Claremont, Minnesota. To utilize his education degree, Keith began his career teaching in Harmony, Minnesota from 1960-1962. He later taught for Sleepy Eye Public High School from 1962-1965. Keith finished his career teaching at the New Ulm Junior High from 1965 until his retirement in 1998. Keith inspired the minds of his students as the schools Theater Director, Speech Coach, and Drivers Education Instructor. Besides his work at the school, Keith was also an active member in his community. Keith enjoyed the friendships made over the years as a member of the New Ulm Country Club, and Turner Hall. To give back to his community, Keith was an active member of the New Ulm Lions Club where he served for years as president. Keith also served a three year term as president of the New Ulm Education Association. A proud supporter of the Red Cross Blood Drives, Keith was honored to give countless gallons of blood over the years. For pleasure, Keith enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards with friends. As a history buff his entire life, Keith delighted in the many books he read, especially ones pertaining to WWII. Keith always enjoyed eating a good meal and relaxing to a good old western movie. Keith was a lifetime supporter of all Minnesota sports teams, but particularly loved cheering for the Vikings. Keith was proud of the work he did, the minds he touched as a teacher, and all that he did to give to his community, but what brought him the most pride was his family. He dearly enjoyed the moments he got to spend with them, and especially enjoyed getting to watch his grandchildren grow. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Blessed be his memory.

A special thank you goes out from Keith’s family to Dr. Randall Verschaetse, Truman Pippert, Dr. John Mittlesteadt and staff, Leslie Macho and the Palliative Care Staff at Abbott Northwestern, and to the nursing staff at Augustana Care Center, especially Noelle, Stephanie, Valery, and Kevin for your care, support, and love you’ve shown Keith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

Mvfh.org

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]