Obituary of Erland Rudolph Schweke
Erland R. Schweke, a resident of Spencer, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 in his home on Saturday, May 30, 2021, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
His family will attend a private funeral service for Erland at Spencer United Methodist Church with Pastor Kerry Wilson and Scott Johnson officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in West Spencer Cemetery in the Town of Sherman. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Adrian Schoch, Justin Monness, Dennis Huber, Ken Monness and Nick Tomcziak. Honorary pallbearers will be Ashley Schoch, Tonya Monness, Jerrald Meacham, Jim Schweke, Diane Reinhart, Marlene Pietrven, Donald Melander and DuWayne Matter.
Erland was born in the Huber family home on the north side of Spencer on October 14, 1936, the son of Rudolph “Rudy” and Vera (Huber) Schweke-Mellenthin. He then moved to the Schweke farm northeast of Spencer where he resided most of his life. He was a graduate of Spencer High School. In his younger years, he worked at M&M Factory and Mandel’s Cheese Factory hauling milk and drove bus and hauled milk for Rue Burnett. On May 10, 1958, he married the love of his life, Joan Meacham. They purchased a farm near Riplinger and lived there until 1965 when they returned to take over his family dairy farm after his father’s passing. There he farmed and raised his family until moving to Spencer in 2000.
In his spare time, Erland could usually be found on in the woods cutting firewood and simply enjoying the outdoors. He loved being in his woods.
Erland is survived by his loving wife, Joan Schweke of Spencer; his children, Brenda (Ken) Monness and Roger Schweke; his grandchildren, Ashley (Adrian) Schoch, Justin (Tonya) Monness and RoxAnn Schweke and his stepsister along with other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Elder Mellenthin and a granddaughter.
If desired, memorials in Erland’s name are being accepted by his family for a charity to be determined.
Erland’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.
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