It is with profound sadness that we announce that our father, Joseph “Joe” Schwinghammer of Avon, MN, passed away at the age of 68. 

Live. Laugh. Love. That was the epitome of our Dad and he surely lived life to the fullest. Joe was born on May 23rd, 1955 to Louis and Hyacinth Schwinghammer. He was raised on the family farm outside of Albany, which he took over in the late 1970’s. After graduating from high school, and before becoming a full-time farmer, he spent part of his "before settling down" years working in Tommy Bartlett’s water-skiing show in the Wisconsin Dells. In the mid-90’s after farming for over 20 years, he decided that it was time for a career change and became an independent insurance adjuster which was a career he held and was incredibly proud of until his passing. His gift of working with people made him successful and very respected in the area. 

“Farmer” could often be found around town spending time with his friends with a huge grin on his face and a laugh most in town would recognize. His zest for life was contagious. It was always a special time when he had his kids and grandkids up at the lake, “touring” around on the pontoon - living on the lake was his pride and joy, and really loved sharing his piece of paradise with his family and friends. He enjoyed going on fishing trips with his friends and loved to let us know who caught the biggest fish and how many there were. If you’ve met him, we're sure you’ve heard about the huge northern he caught in North Dakota that he boastingly mounted on his wall! A proud member of the Avon Lion’s Club since 2016, he served as the organization’s president in 2017 and enjoyed his role in giving back to the community. 

Survivors include daughters BreAnne (Ryan LeNoue) Schwinghammer, and Amanda (James) Birnie, and their mother, Julie Schwinghammer; grandchildren Audrey and Julian Birnie; sisters Marlene Schwinghammer, LaVonne Zirbes, Joyce (Ron) Kohorst, Yvette (Gordy) Smith, and Jan (John) Grutsch; sister-in-law Doris Ethan, and numerous nieces and nephews of the regular/great/great-great variety. He also leaves behind a love of several years, Julie Wannigman.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Hyacinth; siblings Ronald, Mary, Earl, and Laureen; brother-in-law Michael Zirbes, and many aunts and uncles. 

Friendships were very important to our dad, and he treated so many people like family. We also acknowledge all the friends and loved ones that he leaves behind, as well as those who passed before him.

A celebration of life event is planned for Saturday, March 9th at the Pelican Lake Ballroom in St. Anna, MN from 2pm-6pm. (2pm-3pm visitation, 3pm-4pm toasts and eulogies, and 4pm-6pm celebration) Snacks and appetizers will be served. No flowers please, friend and family presence is enough. 

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