He had farmed with his father, and he worked for the city of Fremont and Omaha. He operated heavy equipment and also had been an over the road trucker, some of those years for Fremont Contract Carriers.
Leo married Louise Schrock in 1958, and she preceded him in death in 1997. Then in February of 1999, he married Marilyn Beck Larsen, and they made their home in Hooper.
He was a member of American Legion Post 18 of Hooper and he was also a member of the Izaak Walton League.
Survivors: wife - Marilyn
6 daughters - Evelyn and husband Kenny Barker of Omaha
Mary Schwanke of California
Wanda and husband James Morris of Omaha
Donna Schwanke of Lincoln
Joyce and husband David Zeleny of Omaha
Christine Schwanke of Fremont
1 son - Leo Schwanke of Fremont
2 step-daughters - Linda and husband Michael Merryweather of North Bend
Marcy Larsen of Omaha
18 grandchildren
9 step-grandchildren
3 great grandchildren
4 step-great grandchildren
A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday (March 7, 2008) in Memorial Cemetery in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. There is no public visitation.
Condolences(15)
Jean Gemar
Fremont, Ne Saturday, March 8, 2008 Christine,Dan, Nick & Gina, Please accept my belated but sincere sympathy for your loss....Take care.Jacque Gilchrist
Polson, MT Friday, March 7, 2008 Dear Aunt Marilyn, We are so very sorry to hear of Leo's passing.Our hearts go out to you and his family at this difficult time. I remember meeting him in Kalispell when the two of you were at my Mom's house. I thought he was a very nice man. I'm glad you two had each other in your lives these passed few years. Love & Prayers Always, Jacque, Klaus & Krystle @-->----->-----Jessie Kubla
Missoula, MT Friday, March 7, 2008 Aunt Marilyn, it is with a heavy heart that I send this note of sympathy. It touched me, that both you and Leo were able find that second someone special after losing your the first. I remember my last trip back to NE, it was the first time I met Leo. We all sat around in Mom's front yard at the table, comfortably chatting into the evening. I glanced over and thought to myself what a nice couple you made. I hope you find comfort in your precious memories in your time of sorrow. Our love, Jessie, Milan, Jeremy and Allen.Barbara Newill & Skeeter Ivar Jr.
Fremont, Ne Friday, March 7, 2008 To the Girls and Leo Jr. We are sorry to hear about your Dad he was a good man. I always spoke to me when ever I seen him. Very nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at time .Craig and Julie Parsons
Whitefish, MT Friday, March 7, 2008 Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Leo's family and friends. Marilyn we can not even pretend to know how you are feeling after having so much loss in what seems to be such a short time. We admire your strength, love and devotion. We miss your beautiful smile and light hearted laugh, just know we love you and you are in our prayers. Love, Craig & JulieSusan Siebler
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 6, 2008 I am a friend and former co worker of Christine and just want to convey my sympathy to the family. Remember that he is in a better place now.Lisa Yaeck
Kalispell, MT Thursday, March 6, 2008 My dear Aunt Marilyn, We are so sorry for your loss. Sometimes, remembering the happy times and the laughter that you shared is what gets us through the most difficult times. Know that you and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Leo will be missed by many. Love you! Lisa, Brad, and AspenRonnie, Rachel and Hunter Purcell
Hooper, NE Thursday, March 6, 2008 Marilyn, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Leo will be so missed in the neighborhood. I will always think of him when I look at the cement art projects around the tree out front, as he was outside visiting with me and Hunter when they were made. We are so very sorry for your loss. God Bless.Yvonne Johnston
Kalispell, MT Thursday, March 6, 2008 Auntie M, We are so very sorry for your loss. Know how much you are loved and that our thoughts and prayers are with you now. Remember the good times past and know that there will be many more in your future. God Bless, Your Montana family (Yvonne, Stephen, Lisa, Brad, Aspen, Marcus, Lindsey, Connor, Michael and all the rest)harvey bunn
fremont, ne Wednesday, March 5, 2008 I enjoyed working with Leo, he was a good manMike and Janice Beck
Soap Lake, Wa Thursday, March 6, 2008 We are so sorry for you loss Marilyn. Having to loose your companion once in life is devastating, but twice is beyond description. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know also that our love and any comfort we can give will always be here for you too.....your loving little brotherBarb Ranta
Golden, CO Wednesday, March 5, 2008 Marilyn and Family, Deepest sympathy from Fred and me. Leo and I go way back, He was always like a teasing big brother. He will be missed.Nick and Susan Janssen
Hooper, NE Wednesday, March 5, 2008Tonja & Jody
Fremont, Ne Wednesday, March 5, 2008 So sorry for your loss...if there is ever anything you need, hon, just let us know! We love you!WAYNE AND DAWN MUFF
FREMONT, NE Tuesday, March 4, 2008 KELLY AND FAMILY..WE WERE SO SORRY TO SEE THAT YOUR DAD HAD PASSED AWAY....YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES...GOD BLESS