Jim Schweyen

Minot

Jim Schweyen, 94, Minot, died July 25th in his home at Somerset Court with his children by his side.

James “Jim” Henry Schweyen was born in Portal, ND to Harold Anthony and Carrie Elizabeth (Burke) Schweyen on November 29, 1929. He was raised in North Gate, ND, and then the family moved to Kenmare, ND. The family owned and operated the Gambles Store, where Jim worked with his father, also working on survey crews in the Summers. Jim graduated from Kenmare High School in 1947. In 1952, he enrolled at Minot State Teachers College for one year. He continued his education with his graduation from Kansas City College of Mortuary Science, Kansas City, Kansas, in 1954. Jim worked for several funeral homes in Kansas before moving to Minot in 1957. Jim earned his North Dakota Embalmers License #873 on September 21, 1968. He worked part time as a funeral director for several area funeral homes for over thirty years. During this time he also became part of the Minot Fire Dept. serving his community as a volunteer and then a full time fireman for the city. Retiring from the MFD in 1990 with the rank of lieutenant. Then retiring from the funeral home, but continuing to be called on for several years by family and friends seeking help in assisting them in the loss of loved ones. Always reaching out with compassion and dignity, it was a gift.

On September 17, 1950, Jim was joined in marriage to Joyce Adell Gehring and they were blessed with 7 children: Sandra (Mike Anderson)-Bismarck, Toni (Michael Kizima)-Minot, Jody Schweyen-Port Angeles, WA, Stuart (Lori) Schweyen-Plymouth, MN, Kimberly Schweyen (deceased 1980), Michael (Lucille) Schweyen-Rochester, MN, and Ronni Schweyen (Roger VanDenHeuvel)-Shawano, WI.

After the passing of his wife, Joyce, in 1989, Jim married Betty Ann Torno Skinn in 2005 in Minot. Betty passed away in 2012.

During his lifetime, Jim was a member of The Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot, member of The Knights of Columbus Council 4894, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2376, and the Loyal Order of Moose #822, all in Minot.

Jim was rewarded in life with a long, healthy, active retirement. After turning in his “pagers, beepers, and keys” he was off on annual ski trips to Montana, joining his brother Bill and other elder “ski bums” on the slopes. Fall was always GooseFest in Kenmare, week-long celebrations where he spent time with fellow hunters and lifelong friends. Hostfest in Minot was lefse, making time and volunteering to work the gates. Many birthdays were spent out in the fields of ND, as it was on or near opening day of deer hunting. Then there were long days out on the lakes with his boat, always looking for the “elusive” walleye. Many hours with his fishing buddy, Jack, also a retired fireman and dear friend. Many times followed up with a delicious fish fry at the house. Never one to turn down a card game, he was involved in several pinochle clubs where he met many wonderful partners and friends.

Jim was also a good cook, after years cooking at the fire department and raising a large family, there was never a meal that wasn’t appreciated. Always anticipating the Fall dinners, traveling to the nearby churches and towns, and of course the lutefisk and lefse dinners at the Lutheran churches. The Knights of Columbus and Moose Club were regular dining stops.

The last years, as life slowed down, Jim was a member of the YMCA, exercising and socializing 5 days a week and working the food pantry at his church, also being a dedicated bell ring for the Salvation Army during the holidays. Jim made friends everywhere he went and always spoke fondly of all the people in his life. So many to thank for all the rides, visits, meals, games, and conversation. With a special mention to dear neighbors-Jenny, Sue and Cody.

James is survived by his 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Betty’s children, Kari, Lorrie and Mark. He also leaves behind a brother, William (Judy)-E. Helena, MT, sisters, Sister Veronica-NY and Katherine (Larry Entzel)-Minot, ND. Many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Robert, wives Joyce and Betty, daughter Kim, grandson Brendan, Betty’s daughter Kelly Haugen.

Funeral service will be: Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church. Rosary will be held at the church the night before at 5:00 p.m.

Visitation for one hour before the funeral at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 707 16th Ave. S.W., Minot. Interment will follow the service at Rosehill Memorial Ceremony, 700 11th Ave. S.E., Minot. Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Salvation Army. Niewoehner Funeral Home – Rugby www.niewoehnerfh.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 27, 2024.