
Frank was born on May 5, 1951, in Perham, Minnesota, to Walter and Martha (Peckrul) Schwarz. He spent his early years in Dent, Minnesota, where his father owned the Skelly Oil Company gas station. As a youngster, Frank often rode along in the fuel truck, making deliveries to local farmers. His mother, Martha, stayed home to care for their six children: Barb, Mike, Judy, Frank, Linda, and Janet.
Frank fondly recalled his childhood in the small town of Dent, where he spent time with family and friends and often found himself getting into mischief with his sister Judy and close friend Fritz.
Sadly, Frank’s parents were unable to see their children grow up. Cancer and multiple sclerosis impacted the family, and while close relatives stepped in to help raise the children, they were separated and each experienced life in different ways. Despite these hardships, the bond between the siblings remained throughout the years.
Frank graduated from Perham High School in 1969 and soon after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served from 1970 to 1974 working in the motor transport field repairing and maintaining transport equipment. After his honorable discharge, Frank moved to Minneapolis, where fellow veterans helped him find employment at a paper company and then Tri-State Motor Transit Co where he worked as a dispatcher.
In January 1976, Frank met Barbara Gardas on a blind date at the Launching Pad Night Club. The two formed a lasting connection, and on September 30, 1978, they were married at St. John the Baptist Church in New Brighton, Minnesota. They moved to Isanti in 1979, where they raised three children: Walter, Adam, and Jessica.
Frank worked diligently throughout his life, with notable service at FMC Northern Ordinance Division in Fridley, Minnesota, as an assembler and test technician for military defense.
When demand for military missiles and launching equipment diminished, FMC downsized, laying off hundreds of employees. Frank seized the opportunity to retrain and attended school for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), earning a certification and working as a service technician. He was employed by both Minnegasco and Air Mechanical, a career he took great pride in.
Later in life, Frank transitioned to a less physically demanding job at Home Depot, where he specialized in plumbing. When he turned 70, he decided to retire, reflecting his long-standing work ethic and dedication to providing for his family.
A kind, soft-spoken man, Frank had a variety of interests. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, often watching the Twins games on mute so he could listen to the local radio broadcast, which he preferred. In addition to sports, enjoyed traveling and was passionate about politics. He also had a deep love for classic muscle cars, particularly the Ford Mustang. Frank took great pride in his meticulously restored 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback, which won numerous awards at car shows.
Frank is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Walter Schwarz (Heather York) of Cheshire, Connecticut, Adam (Mari) Schwarz of Cape Coral, Florida, and Jessica (Darian) Paul of Auckland, New Zealand; and four grandchildren, Zoey Schwarz, Emilia Schwarz, Avalon Paul, and Bodhi Paul. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Bennett, Linda (Steve) Hespe, and Janet (Mike) Hanes, as well as extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha Schwarz; his brother, Michael Schwarz; and his sister, Judy (Schwarz) Johnson.
Frank’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Jan 3rd. I read his obituary – he lived a long wonderful life
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Sincerest sympathy Jessica and your family. Suzie Ruedy