Obituary | Dennis "Denny" Schwartz of Bowman, North Dakota | Krebsbach Funeral Service (2024)

Dennis “Denny” Lee Schwartz, 71, of Bowman, ND passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 surrounded by his family at Southwest Healthcare Services in Bowman, ND.

Funeral services for Denny will be on May 7th at 11:00 AM at Bowman Lutheran Church. Pastor Renee Johnson will officiate with a burial at a later date.

Denny was born on August 26, 1952, in Dickinson, ND to Fred “Fritz” and JoAnn (Ballweber) Schwartz. They lived south of New England, ND on a farm east of Rainy Butte Church and he attended church and Sunday School there. In 1957, the family moved to Firesteel, SD. A saying that represented that area was, “the only things that would grow there were rattlesnakes and cactus.” Denny helped his dad clean corals and feed calves at a young age. In his spare time, he would play marbles with his sisters. Denny was gifted with thick, curly hair and when his aunts would come around, they would be drawn to him to feel his hair whether he liked it or not. In 1960, the family moved Southwest of Bowman where he would farm and ranch with his parents. Denny attended a country school through the 8th grade and then graduated from Bowman High School. Denny enjoyed working alongside his dad and was especially close with his mom, JoAnn, throughout the years. Anytime she needed help, he was always there for her.

Denny married Cheryl “Cheri” VanDaele on September 12, 1970 in Rhame, ND. This was the start of some of his most fulfilling moments of his life-raising a family with his lifetime partner and then watching their kids raise their families. Denny worked as a carpenter for his uncles, Donnie and Gary Schwartz in Reeder, ND from 1970-1973. After moving to his parent’s family farm, he built many pole barns around the countryside while also continuing to farm and ranch. In 1975, he and Cheri moved to their family farm where they would raise their children and create many endearing memories.

Denny learned his love of fishing and woodworking from his grandfather, Gottlieb, and his dad, Fritz. He passed his passionfor fishing on to his children and grandchildren spending countless hours together listening to the calming sound of the water and engaging in storytelling and many conversations about life. His grandchildren have learned many tips about fishing that will be passed on to generations to come. Denny lived a modest, humble life. His determination and resourcefulness could be seen as a young boy through his adulthood in the way he could dismantle and fix what needed fixing. He never backed down from a challenging situation. In addition to fishing, Denny enjoyed watching westerns, deer hunting, a good tractor pull, Chevy’s, and Case/IH equipment. The rumble of an engine was music to Denny’s ears. Denny loved fast cars and motorcycles, sharing many interesting rides with his sisters growing up. His greatest love in his life was his wife, Cheri. He knew she was the “one” the moment he met her and everything else important in his life was not quite as important.

Farming and ranching helped define some of the greatest joys in Denny’s life. Haying, harvesting, and calving were his favorite times of the year. He also enjoyed working with his kids on growing and developing show cattle. Denny was the epitome of a hardworking and resilient farmer/rancher, but it was also easy to see how much he truly enjoyed the work he did. He was a caretaker of the land, of his animals, and of his family. Denny was able to share his farming and ranching journey with his son, Wade and later his grandsons, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Denny and Cheri showed their strong value of love and support for family. They could be seen at almost every activity their children and grandchildren participated in. Any day that included a family get together or an event of theirchildren or grandchildren was a day that made him happy. He was proud of his kids and grandkids, and this could be seen in his smile and laughter as his face would light up when around them. When not with their children and grandchildren, Denny and Cheri enjoyed the solace and peacefulness of simply being together on their farm.

Denny also cherished his close relationships with his sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many other extended family members. His closest friends were also like family to him. Any time family and friends would get together, there would be a rumble of laughter while reminiscing.

Denny’s balance of hard work and the ability to not take life too serious was unwavering. His single finger wave, sense of humor, ability to create a nickname for anyone, and his hearty, contagious laugh will forever be cherished by those in his life.

Denny had a long, hard battle with his health over the past 18years, but his mental and physical strength carried him through,giving him the opportunity to love life.

While Denny’s journey on earth is complete, his legacy of lovefor family and friends, strength, and many passions will certainly be remembered and carried on through those that love him.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents Fritz and JoAnn Schwartz, grandson, Eric, Father and Mother-in Law, George and Eunice VanDaele, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cheri Schwartz; children Shelly (Danny) Schaff, Wade (Shonda) Schwartz, Mandi (Shawn) Allerdings, and Abby Nohava. His grandchildren, Avrie and Luke Nohava, Cale and Blake Schwartz, Marlie, Elsie, Eamon, and Mallee Allerdings, and Casey and BrandonSchaff will miss their grandpa dearly. Denny is also survived by his sisters, Connie (Bruce) Freitag and Carrie (Tom “Bimbo”) Palczweski; brother-in-law Gary (Cheryl) VanDaele, sister-in-law Bonnie (Lee-cousin) Schwarzwalter and Lennie (Kevin) Kempenich as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles,and cousins.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schwartz, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.