Terry Alan Schwab, 67, of Esmond, ND, passed away on Dec. 12, 2024, at home with family by his side. A funeral service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Buffalo Lake Recreation Area, Northern Pacific Ave Esmond, ND 58332; Esmond Fire Department, 215 2nd Ave Esmond, ND 58332; or to Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th St S #101 Fargo, ND 58103.
Terry was born in Maddock, ND, on July 7, 1957, to Matt and Dorothy Schwab of Esmond. He attended Esmond Public School and graduated in 1976. Terry held many jobs throughout his life beginning with assisting on the Duane Randall farm while in high school, working for Hank Streifel at Hank’s Implement, Lunde’s Gas Station, and a short time driving school bus for Esmond Public School, all in Esmond before moving to Grand Forks in 1984. Terry went to work for Firestone Tire in Grand Forks for 18 years. During this time, Terry and his lifetime partner, June, lost their home and many of their belongings in the Grand Forks flood in April 1997. In 2002, he worked for a year at Young’s Manufacturing before moving home to Esmond in 2003. In April of 2003, Terry began working for Summers Manufacturing until his retirement in the summer of 2024. While working for Summers, Terry also worked for the City of Esmond as a City employee where he was responsible for checking the pump house, filling pot holes, flushing storm drains, hanging flags and Christmas lights, and “other duties as may be assigned.”
Terry was an active volunteer fireman for the City of Esmond for over 30 years. He served as their Assistant Fire Chief for several years as well. Terry also belonged to the Buffalo Lake Committee for 11-12 years where he served as their Vice President. He was instrumental in raising funds for Buffalo Lake, purchasing and planting trees, and getting the area in shape for camping and recreational activities again.
His interests included bowling, fishing, hunting, softball, camping, and being with family and friends. To say Terry was the life of the party is an understatement. He could tell a story like no one else. You could hear it once or for the 10th time and you would laugh just as hard. He will be missed by many friends and family, but never forgotten.
Terry is preceded in death by his father and mother, Matt and Dorothy Schwab of Esmond. His brother-in-laws, Mike Partain and Dan Johnson.
He is survived by his lifetime girlfriend and partner, June Olson. June’s son, Shawn (Jen) Olson and their seven children. Seven brothers and sisters: Paulette (Bill) Paulius, Fergus Falls, MN; Kristie Partain, Fergus Falls, MN; Chester (Cindy) Schwab, Bismarck, ND; Penny (Mark) Armentrout, Cedaredge, CO; Todd (Kathy) Schwab, Rugby, ND; Jody Johnson, Valley City, ND; and Wanda Schwab, Valley City, ND. Thirteen nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
Arrangements are pending with the Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock, ND.
Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com.
