HERBERT M. SCHWARZ, 79, of Garrison, North Dakota passed away September 11, 2019, surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy battle with dementia. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 10:30 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. A private burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.
Herbert was born December 13, 1939, in Hazen, North Dakota, to Martin and Hilda (Ude) Schwarz. He was raised and educated in rural Hazen, graduating from Beulah High School in 1959. He went on to graduate from the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota in 1962 with an auto mechanics degree.
Herbert worked for a short time as a mechanic in Montana before moving to Williston, North Dakota to work as a mechanic for Reep Motors. While living in Williston he met his future wife, Sharon Arnt.
Herbert and Sharon were married August 8, 1965, making Williston their home until 1967 when they moved to Garrison where he and his brother, Alvin, owned and operated Schwarz Implement Inc. until their retirement in 2008.
Herbert was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed the time he was able to spend in his woodshed making gifts and keepsakes for family and friends. Weekends were often spent going on short walks, playing cards, yardwork, gardening and driving around looking at the fields. When his children were younger he could often be found camping, fishing or hunting. He also spent many years running the chains for the high school football team. After his children were grown his grandchildren were a new source of pride and happiness. Herbert and Sharon enjoyed their time traveling near and far including Germany, Russia, Hawaii, and multiple fishing trips to Alaska topping the list of favorites.
Herbert was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church after moving to Garrison and could often be found ushering, assisting with communion, serving fellowship and helping wherever he could.
He proudly served the North Dakota National Guard and was called to active duty in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis and was honorably discharged in 1963. He was an active member of the Garrison American Legion Hugh P. Minehan Post 49.
Herbert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon, and their four children: Carla (David) Jaeger of Williston, North Dakota; Craig (Renee) Schwarz of Rowlett, Texas; Chris (Julie) Schwarz of Bismarck, North Dakota and Carrie (Doug) Francis of Sawyer, North Dakota; Nine Grandchildren: Lindsey (Jon) Grullon of Williston, North Dakota; Madison Jaeger of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Emily Jaeger of Williston North Dakota; Savannah Schwarz of Rowlett, Texas; Jordan Schwarz of Fort Collins, Colorado; Jacob Schwarz of Bismarck, North Dakota; Brock (Amber) Francis of Velva, North Dakota; Coltan and Allison Francis of Sawyer, North Dakota; his Siblings: Alvin (Evie) Schwarz; Frieda Maas; Elmer (Arlene) Schwarz; Wilmer (Lois) Schwarz; Leo (JoAnn); Martin (Susan) and sister in laws LaRue Schwarz, Arlene Johnson, Peggy Arnt and Bobbi Jo Arnt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Albert Schwarz and Lydia Hochhalter; Brothers in Law: Harold Hochhalter; Raymond Maas, Arthur Arnt, Steven Arnt and James Johnson, Sister in Law: Helen Schwarz and nephews: Jimmy Johnson, Trevor Arnt and Troy Schwarz.
Memorials may be made to the Garrison American Legion Hugh P. Minehan Post 49, North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or an organization of the donor's choice.