Virgil Schwanke

Virgil V. Schwanke, age 78, of Willmar, died Sunday evening, May 14, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 20, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar, Minnesota. The interment will be in Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and at the church 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday. (www.petersonbrothers.com)

Virgil Vincent Schwanke was born July 1st 1938 by Raymond MN, son of Alvin and Eleanor (Strom) Schwanke. He grew up on the family farm and received his education in Raymond. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Raymond. On June 11th 1960 he was united in marriage to Agnes Spartz at St Mary's Catholic Church in Willmar. He joined the Catholic Church in 2008.

He started Schwanke Tractor and Truck with his father Alvin and brother Bud Schwanke in 1957. They also started S & F Supply in 1968. A life long dream was fulfilled when they started the
Schwanke Museum with Antique Cars, Tractors, Trucks, Gas Engines and Gas Pumps. Virgil loved to work at the businesses. He treasured the time spent with his father Alvin and son Mike as they went to various swap meets to collect Antiques. Those who knew him enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor. Traveling with his wife Agnes across the country to see the many sites especially those with bright lights was always memorable and fun. He was truly married to his best friend.

He is survived by his wife Agnes, daughter Connie (and Dave) Burns of Spicer, son Tung (and Dieu) Hugnh of Garden Grove, CA, daughter-in law, Sharon Paler of Delano. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren; Mark (and Nicole) Schwanke, Angela (and Justin) Paffrath, Matthew (and Andrea) Burns, Sarah Burns, Anna Burns, Leyna Hugnh and 6 great grandchildren, one sister Carol (and Norman) Schueler of Willmar and 3 sisters-in-law, Eleanor Schwanke of Willmar, Marion Person of Eden Prairie and Sheila Spartz of Nobesville, Indiana, 3 brothers-in-law, Vernon (and Mary) Spartz of Eden Valley and Charles (and Gerlinda) Spartz of Noblesville, Indiana and Ambrose Spartz of Noblesville, Indiana, besides other relatives and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Eleanor; son Michael; brother Eldin (Bud); 2 brothers-in-law, Bill Person and Lawrence Spartz.

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