Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
1959 - 2025
1959 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
1959
2025
Funeral services for David Schwendemann of Starbuck, MN will be held Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck with Don Swenson, S.A.M. officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Starbuck, MN.
David Alan Schwendemann was born on May 2, 1959, to Walter and Dagny (Brevig) Schwendemann in Starbuck, MN where he grew up and lived all of his life. He was baptized on June 14, 1959, and confirmed on May 5, 1974. Upon graduation from Starbuck High School in 1977, David attended St. Cloud Technical College to study automotive technology. He started his work career at the Starbuck Elevator. On August 2, 1986, David was united in marriage to Beth Refsal. The couple was blessed with two children, Melanie and Brad. David also did carpenter work and was later employed by Starbuck Cement Products for several years. He dedicated many years to his employment with CHS where his strong work ethic and friendly demeanor made him a cherished colleague. David was a devoted Christian whose faith always carried him through. He was the custodian at Immanuel Lutheran Church for 38 years. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, making sure everything was in its place, so everyone could hear the good news. He rang the bell, lit the candles, and sang the songs. David was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a confirmation mentor. David also tended the cemetery. He sat in the back row as often as possible, like every good Lutheran does.
David enjoyed Friday night suppers with the Friday night friend group. They would meet every week at various restaurants in the area. Sometimes it would just be two and sometimes it would be many. Melanie and Reagan even got to tag along a time or two. David also enjoyed Thursday night on the town at the Starbuck depot. He spent many nights playing Texas hold’em at the VFW. Melanie and Brad also enjoyed learning how to play cards with their dad. David loved the Starbuck community and the people who live there. He had many hobbies throughout his life. David had a few black lab dogs in his lifetime. He enjoyed going hunting for deer and pheasants. David also enjoyed watching the news and classic TV and listening to AM Radio and music of all genres. He was a creative soul and loved to tinker, fix, and engineer things. David always helped his friends and neighbors in any way, especially clearing snow with a snowblower. He liked collecting race cars, toy tractors, and coins. Above all, David treasured spending time with his loved ones, always cherishing the moments they shared together. His strong commitment to his faith, family, and friends never wavered, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. David’s most important accomplishment in life was his unending love for his family, his children, and his granddaughter Reagan. She was his pride and joy. His love will forever shine down on us.
David was called to his heavenly home unexpectedly on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at his home in Starbuck. He was 65 years old.
He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Moss of Morris; son, Brad Schwendemann of Starbuck; granddaughter, Reagan Moss; siblings, Jon Schwendemann, Daniel (Darla) Schwendemann, Nancy (Tim) Swanson, Jane Kluver, and Glen (Nella) Schwendemann; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. David was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Susan Schwendemann; and niece, Laura Schwendemann.
Starbuck Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for David.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
106 W 4th St, Starbuck, MN 56381
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more