Douglas J. Schwinghammer

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Douglas J. Schwinghammer, 70, of St. Cloud will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015 at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in St. Augusta. Doug passed away peacefully at home with loving family by his side on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Reverend Jose Edayadiyil will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 10:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish Center. The Nocturnal Adoration Society will pray the rosary at 4:00 p.m. and parish prayers will be at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the parish center.

Doug was born on March 15, 1944 in St. Cloud to Gilbert and Elvira (Potthoff) Schwinghammer. He went to St. Mary’s and Holy Spirit Elementary Schools and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1962. Doug married Mary Steffes on June 2, 1965 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and lived in St. Cloud all of his life. He worked 42 years as a milkman for Dairyland, Purity, Oak Grove and Kemps. He also volunteered his time to anyone who asked, including The Treasure Chest, Catholic Charities, Church Organizations and countless building and moving projects for his children, nieces, nephews, neighbors and grandchildren. Doug was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Parish and Nocturnal Adoration Society and the St. Cloud Knights of Columbus Council #961.

Doug loved all animals, especially black labs and horses. He enjoyed working with his horses and antique farm equipment, building/woodworking, hunting, reading and cutting wood. Some of his favorite activities with loved ones were getting together with card group, morning coffee at Vukes gas station, playing with grandchildren and traveling with his wife. Doug was fond of children, especially his nieces, nephews and eight godchildren.

Doug felt closest to God when he was quietly sitting alone in the woods. Some of his happiest times were with his sons and grandsons deer hunting. He will be remembered for his quick wit and fun loving sense of humor. His family will be enjoying his antics for years to come.

Doug is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary of St. Cloud; children, Amy Johnson, Elly (Brian) Stromback, Patrick, Jill Wegener, Polly (Joshua) Alessio, Amanda (Adam) Seutter, Andrew (Carissa); 14 grandchildren; siblings, Rosie (Clarence) Jarnot, Joyce (Dick) Stock, Janice (Chuck) Stock, Michael (Irene), Donald (Phyllis); sister- in- law, Judy (Hilary) Jurick; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, John, Joseph and Fred.

Memorials are preferred.