Thomas Martin Schwichtenberg “Switz” age 80, died peacefully with family at his side on March 15, 2023. Tom was born in 1943 in Faribault, Minnesota. He was adored by his family, friends, colleagues and made a lasting impression on just about anyone who had the opportunity to meet him. Tom led a life of service, first as a U. S. Marine in Vietnam, serving a second tour as a Naval Airman and finally as a firefighter with the St. Cloud Fire Department for over thirty years. He fiercely loved Bonnie, his wife of 55 years with whom he often volunteered for community service. Together they provided a wonderful upbringing for their daughter Erika and son Thomas Matthew, and he cherished times with their families and lived to create memories with his grandsons. Tom loved the outdoors, whether golfing, hunting, fishing, skiing or cycling. He and Bonnie traveled extensively in Japan, the Philippines, and Europe. He loved working in his wood shop and restored hundreds of pieces for friends and neighbors in the St. Cloud area where he resided with his family for nearly 50 years, until moving to New Richmond, Wisconsin six years ago. He will be missed dearly, but he is all around us now, as we laughingly remember how joyful, funny, and engaging he was with everyone he encountered. Tom was grateful for sobriety the last four years of his life and his family is thankful for the fellowship of the New Richmond Alano Club for their friendship and support. The family is also indebted to Lakeview Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance to both Tom and Bonnie as they made this difficult journey together. Tom is survived by his wife Bonnie (Berryman) Schwichtenberg, daughter Erika Schwichtenberg Miller (David), son Thomas Matthew Schwichtenberg (Mindy), grandsons Jackson Deering, Conner Clemmens, David Schwichtenberg, and his brother Clay Schwichtenberg.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Martin William Schwichtenberg and Grace Helen (Rosseau) Schwichtenberg and sisters Rehl Ann (Shorty) Moreau, Gretchen Nelson, and nephew, Daniel Moreau.
We shall celebrated his life when the daffodils bloomed– his favorite time of year when the days are lighter and life is renewed, on May 21, 2023 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Bakken Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 728 S Knowles Ave, New Richmond, WI 54017 with a memorial service that started at 2:00PM.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Thomas’s service.
8 Comments
Our deepest sympathies to Bonnie and family. Tom was a great neighbor and friend. We will also miss him.
I will be forever grateful to Tom for playing cribbage with my Dad and having the patience to learn Dad’s new way of playing and scoring. Tom was a great neighbor too. I enjoyed talking with him as we sat on the porch and solved the world’s problems . Thank you Bonnie for sharing him.
We are here if you need us or need us to do something for you. God Bless Tom.
Bonnie
Ron and I are deeply sadden for all of our loss to such a good husband, father, and friend. Our golf course experiences can never be replicated. Sending you Hugs and Prayers.
In Fond Memories
The Donkers
Tom Switzenberg was my first love. Of course I went on to marry Roger Pajari and was happily married to him for 53 years. Nevertheless, the first love always has a special place in a person’s heart. I was delighted to learn that Tom was sober. (I have been sober myself for 43 years). I will pray for comfort for Bonnie and the family.
Susan Briese Pajari
Bonnie, Erika and Matt
Mary and I share in your grieving in our loss of Tom. I feel so fortunate for the friendship Tom and I shared for the past 75 years–what a great companion he was!
Bonnie and Family, Tom will be greatly missed! We have so many wonderful memories, dating back to 8th grade through this year. We shared many adventures and cribbage games. Tom is and will be greatly missed and Loved! You are all in our prayers!
Fond memories at S.C.F.D. Rest in peace fellow Nam vet. Until we meet again.
Bonnie and family –
I recently heard the sad news about Tom. My sincere condolences to you and your family; this has to be a difficult time for all of you. We haven’t been in touch for a very long time but I wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you. Sincerely, Jacque Aldrich/Moon
I love Tom very much as we lived in Faribo. Our families got together often to celebrate all different events. I will miss him very much.
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