To the family of Joe "Schwing"

In the summer of 1974,while working at the Show, there were 4 "Minnesota Boys" who rented an old farm house overlooking the Wisconsin River: Joe, Kevin Schiffler, Gary Erickson, and Me. Lot's of parties, friends, and guests. We all made it to work on time each day, and back home most every night. 

Joe worked at the show, helping with the helicopter rides. At the entrance to the show parking lot sits an elevated (5' high) helicopter pad. There, Joe handled all the ticket sales, customer loading/unloading (very carefully) under the spinning blades. Jim Grogen flew the copter, giving people rides over the Wisconsin Dells area. They worked well together, were great friends, and laughed alot! Joe was having fun.

 Across the parking lot (safely out range of any flying debris) sat Joe's beloved Camero: he loved that car.

I hope you all can imagine a young, smiling Joe Schwing giving you a wave, as you drove past the helipad at the entrance to the show: I can, plain as day.

Peace be with you.

One of a kind~ that’s how Joey “Farmer” can be described. Many memories of Dave and I bonding with Joey. Whether on middle spunk, on his deck or our deck, over a delicious grilled meal, playing dominoes at Gophers, shooting pool in his basement, watching Vikings games, or having a few and celebrating many occasions. He always had that huge smile, hug and that contagious laugh.  Always there to help and made you laugh the whole time. I can’t say enough good about this “amazing” man. 

Thoughts and prayers to BreAnne, Amanda and families. May you find comfort and peace in your memories and the joy Joey brought so many people. To his siblings and their families I wish the same. He is loved and missed by many, many people. RIP Joey.

Jan and Family

When I started working at Albany, I met Joe's high school wrestling coach.  When I said to him, you must have coached my Uncle Joe, he proceeded to tell me a story about when Joe wrestled an opponent, the coach would tell Joe, "You need to pin this guy."  After two periods of Joe wrestling, the coach finally would tell Joe,  stop playing with him and pin him.  So Joe would go out and eventually pin the guy.  The coach then told me that Joe would "play around" with the opponent (just to psych them out) then would finally pin the guy in the third period.   It drove him crazy.    So many more stories I could tell about Joe.  As a little girl, I looked up to him.   Admired him. Loved him  dearly.  Probably bugged the crap out of him!

Lori Young

I knew Joe my whole life, although he was several years older than me.  Handsome guy, friendly, and "always on".  When I was in college, I bartended at Paul's Pair-a-Dice.  When Joe was there, you could be certain that he would be visiting with most everyone in the bar and he had "that laugh".

Fast forward to about 15 years ago.  I walked into a bar near my cabin which is an hour north of Brainerd.  I took two steps into the bar, and I heard "that laugh"!!!   In less than a second, I began searching, and sure enough, there was Joe with a couple other Albany folks.  I walked over and said hi, not having seen him in 10 or 15 years.  He immediately got up, smiled from edge to edge, shook my hand, grabbed an empty barstool and pulled it over to so I could join his group, and bought me a drink.   That was Joe - a great guy.

I can't imagine the deep pain you are feeling.  My sincere hope is that, as time passes, that pain will be replaced by the wonderful memories that were certainly created over the years.   Take a small degree of comfort that these memories are a cherished blessing, because they can never be taken from you.

Amanda and BreAnne,

Keri and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad.  Your obituary captures the man I met very well. I recall sometime during the summer of 2007 or 2008 I would guess (the exact year eludes me), I was lucky enough to join July 4th festivities at his lake house. Your dad was the warmest host one could possibly imagine. Not only did he not look upon me and our band of miscreants with suspicion, but he was thrilled that we were at his house taking part in a joyous celebration.  I will never forget how many damn sunfish he caught in the span of what seemed to be less than an hour.  He basically whipped up a whole fish fry for a decent group of people in 90 minutes. And he was smiling, laughing, and enjoying the vibes all the way through. His smile is one of a kind, having the quality to instantly give others joy and permission to have a good time.

We are terribly sorry that this bright light has dimmed. We wish you support and love during this very difficult time.  My guess is this light will continue shining brightly within you both. Condolences.

Nick Johnson