July 2, 1944 – June 17, 2026
Dan Schwinghammer, 81, Westfield, passed away on June 17, 2026. He was born, July 2, 1944, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Willard and Bernice (Henkemeyer) Schwinghammer.
He grew up on the family dairy farm and attended Crosier seminary, Onamia, Minn. He then continued his education receiving a Bachelor’s degree at St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn., and his Master’s degree at Spaulding University, Louisville, Ky.
Dan was married to Judy Knettel on June 10, 1967. One month after their marriage, Dan was drafted into the Army and attended U.S. Office Candidate School at Ft. Sill, Okla., and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Immediately thereafter, he was assigned to Field Artillery Officer duty in Korea.
After his tour on active duty, Dan continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve for a cumulative total of 37 years and retired as a Colonel. Units that he commanded during this time period included C Battery 4/76 Field Artillery (Korea); 212th Supply and Service Battalion (Jeffersonville, Ind.); 123rd Support Group (Indianapolis); Eighth U.S. Army Augmentation Command (Korea/Indianapolis); 6035 Garrison Support Unit (Indianapolis). He also commanded Military Intelligence units that supported varied intelligence agencies.
Dan was employed by the Department of Defense for over 30 years. He served as Command Executive Officer for the Army Reserve and also was a logistics instructor for the Armor School at Ft. Knox, KY. He received the Legion of Merit for exemplary military service and also Distinguished Civilian Service Award for duty with the Department of Defense.
Dan and Judy treasured their time together and spent their retirement focusing on family. They found solace in cultivating beauty in the flower garden under Judy’s guidance, enjoyed working on fitness together (especially swimming), baking sourdough bread, and cooking healthy meals. Their most precious times were interacting with their daughters and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The activities were varied and extensive to include hiking, board games, cribbage, Mexican train, Old Maid, wood working, and sharing time together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, and who was a loyal companion and supported him faithfully throughout his military career. He is also survived by two loving daughters, Caren (James) Roach and Kristen (Adam) Carroll; six grandchildren, Brittany (Stephen) Slaton, Brooke, Ashley, and John (Savannah) Bock, and Ally and Avery Carroll; two great-grandchildren, Sophie Bock, and Theodore Lucas; siblings, Bob (Joan), William (Cindy), Tim, Ruth (Chuck), Loren (Kari), Paul (Barb), Charles, David (Michele), Tom (Kim), Jerry (Lia), and Joan.
In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom, Jim, Roger, Peter, and Johnny; sisters, Mary and Margaret.
A private family service with Military Honors will be held in Marion National Cemetery.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com
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