Earl Kurt Schwandt

Earl Schwandt, age 90, of Litchfield died on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at the Bethany Memory Care in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday April 24th at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Lake Ripley Cemetery. Earl Kurt Schwandt, the son of William and Rosa (Mueller) Schwandt, was born on January 30, 1925 in Grant County, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Alban Township, South Dakota. He graduated from Ortonville High School in 1942 and worked with his family on the farm after school. On August 27, 1950, he was united in marriage to Elaine Olson at the Litchfield United Methodist Church. They made their home on her family's dairy farm southwest of Litchfield in Greenleaf township. Earl was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Meeker County Fair board and Farmers' Union. He served as a director on the Consumers Coop board. Earl enjoyed card club and dancing with Elaine along with going to auctions in his younger years. In retirement, he and Elaine traveled and made many trips to California visiting family. Farming, especially taking care of his dairy cows and tending to his chickens, was second only to his love for his family and his faith. He will be remembered for his warm smile, generous heart, work ethic and firm handshake. He is survived by his children, Don (and Shirley) Classen of Apple Valley, William ""Bill"" (and Christine) Schwandt of Morton, MN, Brian (and Beverly) Schwandt of Litchfield, MN, and Janell Schwandt (and Duane Isle) of Montrose, MN; 9 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Verna Stoehr, Alice Holquist, Ethel Anderson, Evelyn Henderson; sister-in-law, Kaye Schwandt, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elaine; daughter Gail Schwandt; brothers, Roland Schwandt, Alvin Schwandt and Herbert Schwandt and sister, Elvera Cooper. Previous Events Visitation Friday, April 24, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, April 25, 2015 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, April 25, 2015 2:45 PM Riplely Cemetery 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355