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Robert Schwickerath

robert schwickerath

May 2, 1926 ~ January 1, 2023

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Robert C. Schwickerath age 96 of New Hampton, IA, died Sunday, January 1, 2023, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Washington, with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, North Washington. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to Mass at the church on Friday. Robert Carl Schwickerath's remarkable life began on May 2, 1926, when his parents, Alfred and Josephine (Mishak) Schwickerath welcomed him into the world. He grew up on the family farm near North Washington, where he attended school at St. Mary's Catholic School. At a young age, he developed a standout work ethic and a compassion for others that he carried throughout his life. Robert and Marlys Hentges attended the weekly Saturday night dances in Alta Vista, and one night, a spark was lit and it burned brightly for years. They began dating, fell in love and were married on April 19, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. The marriage that began that day was one for the ages as Robert and Marlys set a shining example of what a couple should be. He made a promise to his father-in-law that he would take good care of the Hentges family farm, and he kept that vow — raising crops, chickens, hogs and cattle while also growing seed beans for Pioneer. Robert and Marlys loved to dance, fish, play cards and visit with family and friends. The couple welcomed three children - Lynn, LuAnn and Lynette - and the three Schwickerath kids had a dad who taught them to always say "please" and "thank you," grew the most beautiful flowers, had a perfectly manicured lawn and could fix just about anything - always ending a project with the declaration "that's good enough for the girls we go with!" When Marlys was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Robert took his vows - "in sickness and in health" - to heart. Every day, he would help her with her makeup and jewelry, and right up to Marlys' passing in 2016, there was no doubt who was the love of his life. Robert had a deep faith, and for many years, he was active in the North Washington Men's Choir and he often ushered at the church, where he was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He spent more than 25 years working at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home, and the home's owner, Bryan Hugeback, said "he never met a more decent man than Robert Schwickerath." Then again, Robert was a man who always put others before himself. He had an "open-door policy" at his home. At his home, the front door was always unlocked at 8 a.m. and people were welcome to come in. Knocking was just an option, and once inside, those who visited the Schwickerath house knew that the open-door policy included the refrigerator. As good of a father as he was, he was an even better grandfather to his five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren — rarely missing their school activities and sports. Robert, to put it simply, was a gentlemen's gentleman. Even late in life, he was always apologizing to others who had to do things he could no longer do, but the truth was, they didn't mind because he had helped so many people in his long and fulfilling life. He will be missed, no question about it, but the people whose lives he touched also know that Robert is now reunited with his beloved Marlys and dancing in Heaven. Survivors include his children, Lynn (Linda) Schwickerath, LuAnn Lechtenberg, all of New Hampton, Lynette (Randy) Mahowald of Burnsville, MN; five grandchildren, Brad (Toni) Schwickerath, Brent (Jenny) Schwickerath, Derek Lechtenberg, Dustin (Jessica) Lechtenberg, Darcy (Casey) Stika; great grandchildren; Jake, Cora, Jamie, Mia and Ada Schwickerath, Levi and Landon Lechtenberg, Mason, Amelia and Sawyer Stika; one sister, Bernice Felder of New Hampton and one brother, Cletus (Eleanor) Schwickerath of New Hampton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys on September 2, 2016; son-in-law, Dale Lechtenberg; sisters, Joanna (Elmer) Geerts, Alice (Herb) Carpenter; granddaughter Angela Ann Lechtenberg; and great grandson Anthony Robert Schwickerath.

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  15. We are saddened to hear this. Robert was such a wonderful and caring man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  51. So sorry for your loss. Robert was such a great guy! I’m sure he’s getting the biggest welcome home. Prayers for all of you!

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  61. How very awesome to read so many tributes to the kindness of this man. He was truly special! 🙏

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  77. Robert was a kind, friendly gentleman! He made me feel like a part of the family. Enjoyed the Christmas parties in their home. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dave and Kay Rasmussen

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  81. Dave and I send our sympathy to all of Robert’s family. Robert told me one time I could call him Bob but I felt he deserved his full name of Robert. He was such a true gentleman and I truly adored him. I will miss talking to him on the phone and whenever I would see him for coffee he just was so kind and gracious. All of the family can be very proud to have had such a wonderful person to call their father. Fond memories will remain in our hearts forever.

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  83. To the Schwickerath family, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Our families had some great times together.

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  84. Our deepest sympathies to the Schwickerath family. May the memories of your dad bring you comfort and peace during this sad time.

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  98. To the Bob Schwickerath family: I am so
    sorry to hear that your father has passed.
    Bob was so friendly and such a dear person
    who was kind to all and we here at the
    Chickasaw Event Center always enjoyed
    having Bob come for coffee or to celebrate
    his birthday! We miss him but know he is
    in a better place and happy to be there!

    Reply

  100. Our deepest sympathies to the family. We hope the memories you share will bring you comfort and peace during this sad time. ❤️🙏

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  104. Lynn, Luann, Lynette and families: Hugs to you all. So glad he was able to be there for Christmas for all of you. I believe he rallied for that. So glad I stopped in to see him when I did and was able to visit with him. Rest In Peace Uncle Robert and fly high with the angels!

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  107. Lynn, Luann, and Lynette, you are in our prayers and thoughts. Robert was such a gentleman. RIP Robert.

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  111. Our sympathies to Luann, Lynn, Lynnette and extending families. You’ll have so many memories to share with each other about your Dad. Prayers & hugs sent your way.

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  119. I’m so sorry I could not be there today to celebrate the life of a wonderful man I was blessed to call neighbor, and friend. I even got to call him “boss” when he hired us to pick rock in the fields (the bonus was ‘Grandmas Goodie Box’ in the kitchen, always full of candy). My first memory of Robert was when I was 5 years old. We made a bet he could not beat us on a race to the end of the driveway, but he did! How could we lose?!?!? That’s what happens when you come up against a youthful spirit like Robert!! Our hearts ache for all of you. Robert was a gift to anyone who knew him – you never walked away without a smile on your face after talking to him. The countless memories we have playing games and cards on New Year’s Eve will be treasured forever. May your faith and friends lift you up and may the wonderful memories of your amazing dad (a terrific example of a great man) help you through this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy, Merlin and Rhonda Kath (Roethler) family

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