John "Mark" Schwab, 84, of Verndale, died Saturday, March 30, 2007, at Lakewood Health Systems in Staples.
He was born to Joseph and Mary (Emnett) Schwab on Aug. 20, 1922, in North Germany Township, Wadena County. He graduated from the eighth grade at the District 38 Schoolhouse. He served in the Navy from 1944-1946. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to the Verndale area and farmed and worked as a pulp skidder until 1978 when he was disabled in an accident in the woods. He was married to Evelyn Anderson on Jan. 2, 1951. To this union, six children were born. The couple enjoyed 55 years together. His hobbies included hunting, guns, reading, mechanics and driving. He was a member of St. Hubert's Catholic Church, Bluegrass, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the National Rifle Association.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 3, at St. Hubert's Catholic Church, Blue Grass, with the Rev. Michael A. Kellogg officiating. Active casketbearers were his children, Julian Schwab, Norma Jean Schwab, Mari Erickson, Karen Roiko, Steve Schwab and Janet Carpenter. Berg Nylund American Legion Post 456 of Sebeka provided military honors. Interment will be at Blue Grass Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home, Sebeka.
Survivors include sons, Julian (Janet Bowles) Schwab of Park Hall, Md., and Steve Schwab of Verndale; daughters, Norma Jean Schwab of Seattle, Mari (Joel) Erickson of Scandia, Minn., Karen (Kevin) Roiko of Verndale, and Janet (Rod) Carpenter of Menahga; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn; sister, Jane Elizabeth; brothers, Frank, Rod and Tom.
