Service Information
Deborah K. Schwanke, age 71, of Biscay, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at the St. John’s Church in rural Biscay, Hassan Valley Township, McLeod County, Minnesota, with interment at a later date in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 9:30-11:00 A.M., one and a half hours prior to the service ALL at the church.
Obituary
Deborah Kay (McCormick) Schwanke was born on September 12, 1953, in Arlington, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Harold and Evangeline (Trebelhorn) McCormick. Deborah was baptized as an infant on October 9, 1953, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 19, 1967, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. She received her education in Arlington and graduated from Arlington High School with the class of 1971. She continued her education at Hutchinson Vo-Tech in Hutchinson, Minnesota, earning a degree in Business Administration.
On August 25, 1972, Deborah was united in marriage to Dennis Schwanke at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. They made their family home in Biscay, Minnesota, and they were blessed with three children: Kari, Bryan, and Jason. Deborah and Dennis shared 53 years together to the day.
Deborah was first employed at Burn’s Manor in Hutchinson and later at Hansen Truck Services in Hutchinson as a bookkeeper. Years later, she was employed at Shopko in Hutchinson and was a team member at Walmart in Hutchinson, specifically working with the Hallmark Greeting Cards. For a number of years, Deborah also worked at the Biscay Liquor Store in Biscay, Minnesota, working with the pull-tabs. Deborah was a member of St. John’s Church in Hassan Valley Township (rural Biscay).
Deborah loved flowers and tending to her gardens; her favorite being the hydrangeas. She enjoyed cooking great meals and canning the produce she grew. Deborah looked forward to the annual trip to Mazatlán, Mexico, which she and Dennis had been doing for over 35 years. Deborah was a kind, loving, and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and any time spent with them was time she truly cherished.
Deborah passed away surrounded by family on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of 71 years, 11 months, and 13 days. Blessed be her memory.
Deborah is survived by her
Husband, Dennis Schwanke of Biscay, MN;
Children, Kari Eischens of Winsted, MN,
Bryan Schwanke of Norwood Young America, MN,
Jason Schwanke of St. Cloud, MN;
Grandchildren, Noah Eischens, Carly Eischens, Madi Schwanke, and Emily Schwanke;
Siblings, Larry McCormick of Arlington, MN, Wayne (Patty) McCormick of Arlington, MN, Michael McCormick of Rogers, MN, and William (Duchelle) McCormick of Berthoud, CO;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives, and Friends.
Deborah was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, Harold and Evangeline McCormick; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Willis and Evelyn Schwanke; Sisters, Kathy Croat, Sandy McCormick; Brother-in-law, Brad Schwanke; Grandson, Carter Schwanke.
Sharon (Wolter) (Albers) Rusley says
To the Schwanke families: May the memories you made and the memories you shared help you through this most difficult time. I got to know Debbie and Denny when I was working with Denny at the Biscay Liquor Store.
Nita & Dean Totushek says
Denny & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Deb in Vocational School at the Merrill building on 2nd Ave, we were in the same program (many years ago).
She was a lady that liked to have fun and back then we sure did. Deb will be missed by many. RIP Deb.
Sharon and Walt Radant says
Dennis and family, you have our Deepest Sympathy.
Lori & Rich Reznechek says
We are so sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. Prayers to the family. Will miss chatting with her. May she rest in peace.
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
Denny and family, our deepest sympathies. Cherish the memories.
Janet Hall says
Dennis and Kari and family, So very sorry to hear of the loss of Deb. Thoughts, prayers, sympathies and hugs to you.
Kathy Berghuis says
Denny and family
So very sorry for your loss! Deb was a great person. She will be missed.
Jim says
So sorry for your loss Denny, sending prayers for your family
Donna Meyer says
Dennis and family, sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Amy. Larson says
Sorry for your loss, Denny and family…sending my deepest sympathy.
Char and Bill Lidberg says
Denny we are so sorry to about Deb. Blessings and prayers to you and your family.
chris tronick says
Sorry for your loss Denny…Prayers to you and family
jan schlauderaff Lockwood says
So sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. May your family find peace knowing that Deb is in a better place and no longer in pain
Barb Plath says
Denny and the whole family,
Deepest sympathies for your loss of wife, mother and grandmother. So many memories of fun times at the old liquor store, parties and trips. Let God’s love support you through this sad time.
Jacquelyn Rosenow says
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this sad time.
Char and Bill Lidberg says
We are so sorry to hear about Deb. Prayers and blessings to you and your family.