Obituary of Barbara Jean Schwanz

Schwanz, Barbara Jean (née McClung), age 81, of Apple Valley, MN, loving mother of seven children, passed away peacefully in her home on July 30, 2020 after a brave journey with cancer.  Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not.

 

Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years Delmar, parents Raymond “Pat” and Helen (née Mueller) McClung, brothers John and Greg and sister Laurie.  Also preceded by many beloved dogs, most recently her buddy and sidekick Harry.  She is survived by her children Janet Bymers (son-in-law Jeff, granddaughters Cate, Ava, Claire, Lila), Susan Branson (son-in-law Tim, grandsons Samuel, Zachary), Cheryl Weir (son-in-law Todd, granddaughters Ariana, Elise, Tessa), Ann-marie Schwanz (granddaughter Mckenna), Kristin Gallagher (son-in-law Tim, grandsons Jack, Thomas), Mark Schwanz (daughter-in-law Amy, granddaughters Brynn, Kyra), and Laura Schwanz.  Also survived by cherished siblings Dale McClung (Marilyn), Steve McClung (Nell), Lynn McClung, Becky Johnson, Gary Larson (Nikki), Judi Azar (Homayoun), Donna Larson (Casto), Mike Larson (Annette), Scott McClung (Lisa), and innumerable adored relatives and friends.

 

Barb’s roots in the Rosemount community ran deep.  She grew up on a large dairy farm in Coates where daily hard work was a given (including the dreaded gathering of eggs!), participated in 4-H, and played softball games on the front lawn on Sundays.  Barb graduated from Rosemount High School in 1957; her children were honored to be educated by some of her same teachers years later.  After completing high school, Barb worked as a candy striper at Riverview Memorial Hospital in St. Paul.

 

Barb married Del at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church in Eagan on November 25, 1961 and started their life together at their house on the main street of Rosemount, bringing seven children into the world.  Barb and Del took their turn hosting gatherings with the Rechtzigels, Hendersons and Johnsons to count the weekly church collections for St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rich Valley, which always included uproarious fun and laughter. Barb was a Girl Scout troop leader, even venturing to take the troop camping at Camp Sacajawea and on a memorable trip to the “big city” of St. Paul to spend a noisy sleepless night at a downtown hotel.

 

In 1972, Barb and Del built a new house for their family just outside of Rosemount. They were fortunate to enjoy the company of extraordinary neighbors, the Frisbees, Olsons, McCarthys, and Bohns who became life-long friends.  The Schwanz home was “grand central station” for friends and family, welcome at any time with open arms, open hearts and lots to eat.  Along with the move came a new church home with lifelong friendships with the Langes, Heikkilas, Burgs, and many others.

 

As their children grew, Barb returned to work outside the home at Montgomery Ward in Rosemount.  She then worked for many years at Centel Telephone, later purchased by Frontier Communications in Burnsville, and most recently at the JCPenney Salon, where she developed many close and treasured friendships. Barb was passionate about and steadfast in the importance of family, friends, faith, dedication to work and education, and the values of tradition and responsibility.  Barb’s joy of reading inspired the same in her children, with weekly trips to the bookmobile in the summer, sharing of books, and her Kindle never far from her side.

 

Barb was strong in her faith.  Active participation in church activities and weekly services were central to her life, and holidays were revered and celebrated.  She and Del were firm that no one is ever too busy or tired to go to church, often to the chagrin of her children!

 

Barb savored family vacations in northern Minnesota with the Hendersons and Johnsons.  After exploring several resorts, they settled on Gull Lake Resort in Brainerd.  The weeks were filled with fishing, swimming, waterskiing, fish fries, happy hours and late night card games with a bit of penny gambling and unrestrained laughter.  Barb continued to enjoy the tradition of family time at Gull Lake Resort with her children, their spouses and her 14 grandchildren.

 

Barb took joy in attending events and cheering for her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors, often traveling far and wide.  She invited everyone to celebrate confirmations, graduations, birthdays with open houses and big family parties to share good company and loads of home-cooked food.  While the menu always varied, taco salad, lasagna, baked egg dish and hash brown potato casserole were favorites.  At Christmas, her Mom’s recipes for date pinwheel cookies and sugar cookies were always a staple.  Not on the menu - ever - were mashed potatoes which Barb disliked so much she refused to prepare!

 

Barb taught and lived the value of family in so many ways.  She insisted that family dinners were mandatory and were a time to gather and talk about the day (or complain, or cry, or laugh, depending upon the day). Barb taught her children that being part of a family entails the responsibility of helping out.  If those duties were shirked, a bit of her Irish temper might just make an appearance to let everyone know she meant business.  Del also rather enjoyed getting a little rise out of that temper with his good-natured teasing.

 

Barb also embodied the McClung stubbornness, like her Dad and many of her siblings, and a touch of stoicism which really just protected her kind, generous and sensitive spirit.  Barb’s sisters and brothers were everything to her.  She would drop everything if one of them needed her help, her advice, or just a shoulder to lean on.  Neither time nor distance ever broke that bond.   

 

In the midst of our tears, Barb peacefully left this world for a better place.  We love you dearly, Mom.  We will miss you always, and will hold you in our hearts until we meet again. 

 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private graveside service and burial will be held at Lebanon Cemetery in Apple Valley.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.  Condolences for the family can be sent in care of Laura Schwanz, 12760 Dory Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124.