Elmer George Schwartz, 85

Published 8:38 am Monday, January 31, 2011

Elmer George Schwartz, 85, of Austin, died at Homestead Hospice in Owatonna on Friday, Jan. 28.

Elmer Schwartz

He was born Sept. 25, 1925, near Dexter, Minnesota the son of George and Elsie (Studer) Schwartz. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Elkton High School. After graduation, Elmer served with the United States Army with Company D, 125th Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in Arkansas. After his discharge, Elmer began working the Goodyear Service Store and continued to work there for over forty years, retiring as assistant manager. On July 20, 1962, Elmer married Leona (Christiansen) Larson at the parsonage of Crane Community Chapel in Austin. He was a member of Crane Community Chapel where he served on the church board and was a member of the Men’s Club. He was a member and former Governor of the Moose Lodge of Austin. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening, playing cards and computer games.

Survivors include his wife, Leona Schwartz of Austin; three children, Kevin Schwartz of Casa Grande, Arizona, Judy Schwartz of Shakopee and Barb (David) Gingerich of Eagan; six stepchildren, Sharon (Phillip) Morreim of Albert Lea, Janice Prescher of Ellendale, Merle (Elmer) Stensrud of Freeborn, Lowell (Toni) Larson of Dent, Joyce (Marvin) Stenzel of Wells and Ken (Wendy) Larson of Austin; 22 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Norman (Muriel) Schwartz of Austin; two sisters, Frieda Parrish of Albert Lea and Marian Kessel of Russell, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, Gerry Morreim and Derek Larson; one sister, Caroline Beckman and five brothers, Ervin, Earl, Ray, Henry and William.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Crane Community Chapel with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery with Flag Presentation by American Legion Post 91. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.