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It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Roland Lawrence (Larry) Schwandt, Jr. announces his passing on 23 May, 2021.
He will be dearly missed by Kathy, his wife of over 52 years, his son, Paul Schwandt and his wife Jacqueline, his grandchildren, Gavin and Jordan, daughter Kerstin and her partner Dana, and his wide circle of family and friends.
Born in 1945 in Chippewa Falls, WI, to Rev. Roland Lawrence Schwandt Sr. and Mildred Schwandt, Larry graduated from Homestead High School (Mequon, WI) in 1963, and St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN) in 1967, where he was proud to have performed with the world-renowned St. Olaf Choir. He went on to a distinguished career in the United States Air Force spanning 36 years, leading his family through fun-filled adventures across the United States and Italy.
He was predeceased by his parents, Roland Lawrence Sr. and Mildred Schwandt. In addition to Kathy, his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his Uncle Alton and Aunt Mary (Schwandt), brothers Stephen and David (Schwandt), sister Mary (Schell), and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Of the many destinations the Air Force took him, Larry had a passion for Italy and took full advantage of his time in Naples and Aviano. Whether it was food, history, the people or soccer, he was all in and loved seeing and doing new things. And no conversation would be complete without mention of the Green Bay Packers. There were years of feast and years of famine, but through them all he was a true Cheesehead and never faltered in his loyalty. His humor and quiet good nature will be missed by all those who knew him.
Larry’s final resting place will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homes For Our Troops (www.hfotusa.org).
Carolina Cremation of Charlotte and Salisbury is assisting the Schwandt family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Curtis and Lisa Belau says
Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and the Schwandt family. Holding you all in prayer for comfort and strength in this difficult time.
Lana Gilster says
We extend our heartfelt love and sympathy to Kathy and family. How grateful we are for good memories of Larry spanning many years from St. Olaf to Aviano to Savannah. Know that you are in our prayers.
Lana and Eric Gilster
Dian McDermott says
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort. When things settle down for you, please reach out. Love you.
John says
I extend my condolences to Kathy and the family. I met Larry a few years back. Having served in the USAF we hit it off. Enjoyed my visits and great times. He will be missed! I send my prayers, thoughts and hugs to Kathy and the family.
Anne Blount says
Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Mr and Mrs Phillip Molner says
Dear Kathy,
Phil and I were saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Phil and Barbara Molner
Timothy M Burns says
Tim and I have your family in our prayers. We treasure that we were able to have a wonderful visit with you in the fall of 2019. What wonderful memories we have of our shared journey from Wisconsin, St. Olaf, US military and of course our shared passions: the St. Olaf Choir and the Green Bay Packers. We would like to know when the celebration of Larry’s life and faith will be held.
Susan Osmar says
Kathy,
Sending prayers to you and your family. Larry was loved by those he touched. A warm smile. A brilliant brain. I always admired your cute and loving relationship.
Susan Osmar
Lyn Evans says
Kathy,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Larry was such a vibrant man with so many accomplishments! So glad we got to spend some good times with both if you!
Love
Ken and Lyn Evans
Carol Magnuson says
Kathy and family, our hearts and prayers go out to you at this sad time of Larry’s passing. It enriched our lives to get to know him the last few years. You showed us all how a family handles adversity and many challenges. May you feel the Lord close to you in the days ahead.
Love, Carol and Larry Magnuso
patricia hart says
Dearest Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss…Sending you my love and blessings during this difficult time. Such a heartache… Love, Patti
John Marquart says
Kathy
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and our friend of the world Larry. He will be remembered as a very strong man committed to “do the right thing.” He possessed a heart and compassion for people. Prayers for strength, courage and love come your way from my family to your family.
Blessings and peace
John Marquart
Linda Reid says
Kathy, our most sincere sympathy to you and your family. Linda and Wayne Reid
Bruce & Raymie says
We met Larry and Kathy in Naples. From the start, Larry was passionate about Italy, its history, its people, and its food, though maybe not its traffic. He, like Kathy, was an excellent ambassador for America during his multiple USAF assignments in Italy. We will savor the memories of our time together. We offer our deepfelt condolences to Kathy, Paul, and Kersten and their families.
Tania Feemster says
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family! Hold on to the many memories you shared!
Joyce & Rick Crabtree says
We will miss Larry, but treasure our time spent with him. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Anita Payne Miller and Morris Miller says
Sending our love and heartfelt condolences. Larry was much loved and admired and will be dearly missed. We are thinking of you and praying for you all.
Milton/Patricia DeLair says
Larry was an inspiration. Thanks for your service. He will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Hib Shelton says
Larry was a friend and a colleague and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You have my deepest condolences and prayers. May you and your family know the Peace, Comfort and Strength that the Lord provides.
Janice (Potratz) Bostrom says
Dear Kathy, So very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Hope to see you in August. Love, Jan
Luci Vasseur says
Kathy, Henri and I are both saddened by the news of Larry’s death and will keep you in our hearts and prayers. Love, Luci
Cheri Noonan says
Dearest Kathy and family,
I am sincerely sorry about the passing of Larry. Though I did not really know him, he had to be a fantastic man to have gotten Kathy for his wife. I will
Pray for you and your family. Having knowledge of your strong faith, I know you will get stronger every day. Larry is no longer having any challenges and is with our Lord.
Sincerely, Cheri Noonan
Carrie Dettinger says
Dear Kathy,
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you and your family.
Jerry and Carrie Dettinger