Donald R. Schwanke

Donald R. Schwanke, 83, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on Sunday, January 12th, 2020 at Eventide Senior Living Center, Fargo, North Dakota.

Donald Richard Schwanke was born in Dent, Minnesota, on February 8^th, 1936 to Emil and Lena (Harthun) Schwanke. He grew up in Ottertail County by East and West silent Lakes of Minnesota and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1954. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army and served for 3 years spending a portion of that time in Korea and receiving an education in diesel mechanics.

On November 3^rd, 1958 he married Mona Wolff of Richville, Minnesota, and to this union four boys were born.  Moving to Fargo, he worked with his brother, Emil Schwanke, for a short time doing construction work before taking a job with Krider Equipment Co., now Titan Machinery, where he worked until his retirement in 1999.  In retirement Donald enjoyed traveling, woodworking and crafting with his partner of 40 years, Pearl Hazleton, who passed in 2012.

Donald is survived by his sons, Ken (Cindy) Schwanke, Gary Schwanke and Donald (Chris) Schwanke; sisters, Betty (Harold) Miller and Lorraine Nyberg; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his son, David Schwanke; partner, Pearl Hazleton; older brothers, Merrill, Alvin, Emil and sister, Dolores Wilin.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday January 15^th, 2020 at 2 p.m. with a visitation starting one hour before the service at Wright Funeral Home of Moorhead, Minnesota.

Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, North Dakota.