Garnett M. Schwantes

Garnett M. Schwantes, age 57, of Lancaster, died on Monday, February 7, 2011, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born on September 14, 1953, in Lancaster, the son of Mark and Dorothy (Irish) Schwantes. Garnett graduated from Lancaster High School in 1971. On July 8, 1972, he was united in marriage to Ruth Johll at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster. Garnett was employed with John Deere in Dubuque for thirty-one years, retiring in 1997. He furthered his education at Southwest Technical College in Fennimore. Garnett was a member of the E&R Church in Lancaster and the Warren Lodge No. 4 of Potosi. He loved spending time with his family and was an avid Badger, Packer and Brewer fan. Garnett also enjoyed fishing, camping, wood crafting, playing cards, traveling and collecting coins.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Schwantes, Lancaster; his children: Susan (Mike) Kersten, Tigerton; Tammy (Scott) Murphy, Sara Bachman, Thomas (Carola) Schwantes, Troy (Tanya) Schwantes, all of Lancaster; his parents, Mark and Dorothy Schwantes, Beetown; fourteen grandchildren; his sister, Sheila Buss, Lancaster; other relatives and many friends.

Garnett was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Schwantes.

Masonic Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 11, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster by the Warren Lodge No. 4 of Potosi. Burial was in Boice Creek Cemetery, Potosi Township. Family and friends called on Thursday, February 10, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 9:00 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the funeral home.