Amy, Pat and all the Schwinghammer Family – our deepest sympathies for your loss; you are all in our thoughts & prayers. A donation has been made to the Eagle’s Healing Nest in memory of Ben. Peace & Blessings.
Benno "Ben" R. Schwinghammer
August 13, 1936 – May 17, 2025
Benno “Ben” Raymond Schwinghammer, 88, of Sartell, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ben was born on August 13, 1936, in Albany, MN, to Edwin J. and Cecelia A. (Poxleitner) Schwinghammer, the third of nine children. A big part of his youth was spent working on the dairy farms of his aunts and uncles in Albany, MN. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1954, Ben proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954-58 as a Military Police K-9 handler. His time in service took him across the country and instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and responsibility that he carried throughout his life.
Following his military service, Ben attended the University of Arizona, before returning home to Waite Park, where he met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Schreifels. They were married in Waite Park on June 3, 1961. Their marriage became the cornerstone of a beautiful life together, including raising five children in MN as well as several states for Ben’s job. They returned back to MN along the banks of the Mississippi River in Sartell in ’73, where they created a home that was filled with warmth and a lot of family gatherings.
Ben’s life was rich in simple joys: family trips, seasonal outdoor activities, dogs by his side, creating beautiful woodcarving in his shop, and tending to his yard. He worked hard to provide for his family over the years at the VA and Waite Park Police Department, before dedicating several years as a Divisional Vice President for Bankers Systems, Inc. Ben started a Christmas tree farm on the family’s property that provided many years of outdoor time on his Ford tractor. He had a deep appreciation for nature, a fondness for classic Westerns, and an unmatched ability to fix just about anything. He was a quiet but steady presence, always ready with an interesting story or a listening ear.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; his children Wendy (Dave) Sexton, Sartell, MN, Cheryl (Darrell) Kruchten, Sartell, MN, Scott (MaryKay) Schwinghammer, St. Stephen, MN, Amy (Anthony) Rojo, Kalispell, MT, and Craig (Rachel) Schwinghammer, Oradell, NJ.
He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson, and siblings Jeanette (Giles) McDonald, Palmer, AK, Roger (Judy) Schwinghammer, Fargo, ND, Anne (John) Keenan, Nevada City, CA, Alan (Marlene) Schwinghammer, St. Cloud, MN, and John (Antoinette) Schwinghammer, Juneau, AK.
He is preceded in death by parents, and siblings Gregor Schwinghammer, Robert Schwinghammer, and Marlene Schwinghammer.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Reverend Ronald Weyrens will officiate. Entombment will be at MN State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Eagles Healing Nest in Sauk Centre, and the Humane Society, which were close to Ben’s heart.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the entire staff at Champion Rehab at the Country Manor in Sartell, for the exceptional care that they provided to Ben and his family.
Guestbook
Dear Pat and all the Schwinghammer Family,
I was very saddened to hear about Ben’s passing. I married Anne, Ben’s sister in 1977 and I first met Ben in the summer of 1978. I found him to be a kind and vibrant brother-in-law, always ready with a joke or a helping hand. I’ll never forget the way he lit up our family reunions and gatherings with his video camera, stories and warmth., as my brother-in-law, he was more than just family he was a friend who made every moment brighter with his adventurous spirit and big heart. I will always cherish our times fishing and water skiing at our reunions and making every moment count. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I offer my deepest sympathies to you and all your family on the loss of Ben. His loss is felt by many, and his memory will be cherished. Wishing you peace and comfort as you grieve.
John Keenan
Ben and I got me started on a new chapter in my life when he hired me at Bankers Systems as a salesperson for a CA territory. Ben was smart, a gentleman and, as you can see in his picture, good lookin! He seemed to like me a lot as he knew my older brothers and sisters and understood what I was going through as as a salesperson in a new territory. I was fortunate to know him.
Farwell old friend. Death is only a transition. Like the caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly, we trade our earthly bodies for a new heavenly body. No more pain and suffering, but endless peace and joy. May we meet again in our next home. See you then.
Al & Elaine Blommer
Dear Anne & John and Anne’s family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Ben sounded like such an integral part of his larger family of 9 siblings (total!) but also a steady, loving man to his own family & his wife, Pat, of many wonderful years♥.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Love,
Michele Abel & Family
(My Mom♥ was Anne’s BFF…..forever & ever♥)
My condolences to Wendy, Dave and Family. Wow! 15 great grandchildren! What a blessed life.
Scott and Family, Sending Prayers and Hugs during this time of loss
A donation will be placed with the Humane Society in honor of your father.
May you find comfort in each other and in your memories
Services
Schedule Details
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell.
Visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Reverend Ronald Weyrens will officiate. Entombment will be at MN State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls with full military honors.