Roman Schwegel

Roman (Romey) P. Schwegel, 74, passed away on Oct. 7, 2004, at North Valley Hospital.

Romey was born April 30, 1931, at St. Joseph, Minn., to Michael and Ottilla (Gillitzer) Schwegel. He was raised in the Blackduck, Minn., area, attending school there. He graduated from Blackduck High School in 1949.

Romey enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as forward observer in Korea. He earned several medals, including a Bronze Star that he was very proud of. After his military service, he worked for several companies, including Continental Baking an Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Highway Department, where he was foreman of a bridge repair crew.

In 1957, he married the former Nancy Corne at Blackduck. Together they raised five children. In 1973 he moved his family to Olney, where American Timber Co. employed him as the head boiler operator and plumber. He retired in 1993.

Romey loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He had many funny stories about his hunting and fishing experiences, many of which included his sons. He was always tinkering with something, trying to improve it. The "Tim Allen" of his generation.

During his early retirement years, he made beautiful handmade wood furniture until his health forced him to give it up. There are many fine examples of his cedar chests and cabinetry throughout Northwest Montana and other states.

Romey was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Clarence, Henry, Benedict, George, Frank and Leroy; sisters Hildagarde and Mildred; and infant daughter Christine.

He was a life member of VFW Post 276, Whitefish, and for many years was active in the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; daughters Lisa and husband Gary Hill, of Olney, Lana and husband Daniel Wright, of Kalispell; sons Kim and wife Jera, of Kalispell and Arizona, Greg and wife Janet, of Olney, and Carl and wife Lisa, of Craig, Alaska; grandchildren Jason, Michael, Sara, Maria, Larry, Misty, Tarsha, Kimisha, Jeramie, Chad, Cody and Edward; seven great grandchildren; brothers Albert, of Whitefish, and Arthur, of Columbia Falls; and sister Caroline (Lillian), of Blackduck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Oct.17, at 11 a.m. at the VFW Post 276 in Whitefish.