Gerald Schwanz

Gerald Schwanz, “Schwanny,” 66, of Jamestown, ND, formerly of St. James, MN, passed away on March 5th 2018 at his home in Jamestown, ND. Visitation will be Friday March 9th 2018 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the church and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 10th 2018 at 11:00 am at Augustana Lutheran Church, St. James, MN. Zaharia Family Funeral Home of Truman is entrusted with arrangements. Gerald was born April 22, 1951 in St. James, MN, the son of Martin and Doris (Becker) Schwanz. He attended South Branch parochial school until the 8th grade, then St. James High School where he graduated in 1969. He later attended a trade school in Jackson, MN for carpentry. He worked as a welder at Crysteel Manufacturing in Lake Crystal, MN for 23 years until health issues forced him to stop working. He also worked on the family farm and helped out other farmers in the area. He married the love of his life, Jeanne Juliar, on December 29, 1984 in St. Clair, MN. They made their home on the family farm near South Branch, MN. In early 2000 they moved to St. James, MN. In 2016 they moved to Jamestown, ND where he has been retired. He was active with the St. James Jaycees serving various positions including President until becoming an “Exhausted Rooster.” He enjoyed coaching little league in South Branch and helping out at his son's wrestling tournaments. His favorite thing was spending time with his children. He was the coach/referee of wrestling matches and football games in the house as his boys were growing up. He loved attending his son's sporting events all the way from youth sports through their collegiate careers. He rarely missed any of their sporting events. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and instilled that passion in his boys. He and his boys attended many Minnesota Twins games and the occasional Minnesota Vikings game. In his last years he would watch as much football as possible on TV and enjoyed attending Jamestown Blue Jay and University of Jamestown football games. Gerald is survived by his wife, Jeanne, 2 sons, Jared (Beth) Schwanz and grandson, Liam, all of Jamestown, ND, Justin Schwanz, St. James, MN, and one brother, Gary (Karla) Schwanz, St. James, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.