Maurice E. Schwen

Maurice Eugene Schwen, 98, entered heaven on October 13, 2022. Maurice was born on April 12, 1924, in Blue Earth, Minnesota to Walter J. and Margaret (Stalwick) Schwen.

Maurice was interested in aviation from a young age and received his pilots license in high school. He graduated from high school, attended Aeronautical Engineering School and received his Navy wings. His squadron was waiting to be deployed when the Japanese surrendered.

He intended to purse a career in aeronautics, but his father had a stroke and asked him to lead the family business, Schwen’s Ice Cream, Inc. He returned home to Blue Earth and fell in love with his parent’s new neighbor, U of M dental student, Marvel Fox. They were married in 1947 and were blessed with three children, Susan, Steven, and Kent.

Maurice remained president of Schwen’s Ice Cream until it was sold in 1974. He held roles at Hubbard Milling before starting Mid-American Energy with son Kent in Brainerd until his “retirement” in his late 80’s.

Maury was involved in and held leadership roles in many organizations and boards, including Salem UM Church (BE), Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, North Central College (IL), and NW Ice Cream Manufacturers. He was a founding member of KJLY (Know Jesus Loves You) Kinship Christian radio and led Lay Witness Mission ministry.

One of his greatest joys was planting trees and working in “The Woods”—his 126 acres on the western shore of Gull Lake. He received the MN Tree Farmer of the year in 1989 and a 50-year achievement award as “DNR's Best Customer” for placing 50 years of consecutive seeding orders. If your travels ever take you along I-90, the Blue Earth rest-stop (mile 119) was previously the Schwen Family Farm and included a woodland where Maurice planted his first tree in 1950.  

Of all his accomplishments and awards, his greatest achievements were his family and his faith in Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!

Maurice is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Marvel, and his children Susan Johnson (Roger), Steven, and Kent (Jodi); Grandchildren Kristina (Johnson) Milinkovich, Jenny (David) Bessingpas, Mandy (Joe) Souba, Sam (Becca) Schwen, Joe (Rebecca) Schwen, Jesse (Kari) Schwen, Gus Schwen, Isaiah Schwen, Hope Schwen, Andy (Missy) Schwen, David Schwen, Nick (Hayley) Schwen; 21 great-grandchilden; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be Thursday, October 20^th at 11:00 am with visitation an hour before the service at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.

The family would like to thank Northern Lakes Senior Living Memory Care staff for the loving care that they provided for Maury these past 2 ½ years, as well as St. Croix Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to KJLY Kinship Radio, or please support your favorite caregiver, or charity.