LaVerne Alfred Schwantz

St. Charles, MNLaVerne Alfred Schwantz, 80, of St. Charles, MN, died Wednesday evening at his home after suffering a brief battle with mesothelioma.LaVerne was born on May 25, 1926, to Alfred and Henrietta (Kroning) Schwantz in Elgin, MN. His family moved to a farm in rural Altura in 1932, where LaVerne attended Altura Country School. On June 6, 1952, he married Marian Wachholz at Immanuel Lutheran Church - Silo. They made their home and raised their five children on the family farm. After moving to St. Charles in 1986, LaVerne still remained active on the farm and enjoyed helping his sons. He was a member of Jehovah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altura, was a past member of the church council, and was currently a finance committee member. LaVerne enjoyed woodworking, farming, was an avid card player, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren.He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marian; five children, Virginia (Doug) Swenson of Balaton, MN, David Schwantz of Altura, MN, Daryl (Susan) Schwantz of Lewiston, MN, Philip (Sandy) Schwantz of Altura, MN, and Sara Schwantz of Rochester, MN; ten grandchildren, Erich, Christopher, Seth, and Jonathon Swenson; Jason, Adam, Michael, and Jacob Schwantz; and Brittany and Lindsay Schwantz. LaVerne also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends. LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Kayla. The Funeral Service for LaVerne will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2006, at Jehovah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altura at 11:00 AM with Reverend David Fischer and Reverend Michael Lindemann co-officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM on Friday, September 22 at Hoff Funeral Home-St. Charles Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be directed to the charity of the donor's choice. Please feel free to share a memory of LaVerne with the family or sign the on-line guestbook at hofffuneral.com