Stephen M. Schwarten

Stephen M. Schwarten, lifetime resident of the Braham-Cambridge area, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Rush Lake Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the age of 75 years. Steve owned and operated his dental practice in Cambridge for 42 years before merging with Cambridge Dental Center prior to his retirement in 2019.
Steve was born on November 20th, 1949 to Leslie and Muriel (Hamilton) Schwarten in Braham, MN where his parents owned and operated the Schwarten Walgreen Agency Drug store and his father, Les, practiced as a pharmacist for 39 years. Steve was the youngest of three children and attended the Braham Day School and graduated from the Braham Area High School in 1968. He achieved an Eagle Scout rank with the Boy Scouts of America in his youth, and his early work experience included biking the Braham afternoon paper route, driving truck for the Grasston alfalfa plant and building mud dogs at Arrow Tank in Cambridge.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 1972 from St. Olaf College, where he also played football and competed on the track team. More importantly, it was here where he met the love of his life, Susan Porter, whom he eventually married in 1977. After graduating from St. Olaf, Steve went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Minnesota and opened his own dental practice in Cambridge in 1976. He poured his heart into his practice, cherishing his patients, his staff, and the opportunity to build something lasting and positive in the Cambridge community.
Steve's proudest achievement was marrying the love of his life, Susan, with whom he shared decades of devotion and joy. After her passing, he continued to honor her memory with a tender, enduring love. He and his wife raised two children; Jorie, a registered nurse and Jeffrey, a television news director. He adored his children and grandchildren, treasuring every moment with them and offering his unwavering support and affection.
Steve was a resilient and strong man, and he led a full life. He was a cancer survivor, an avid sports fan, and he always had a story to tell. Steve was a member of the Minnesota Dental Association for 49 years and belonged to the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. He volunteered his dental expertise to the Donated Dental Services Program for many years. He and his family were longtime members of the Cambridge Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, in 2017, his parents, and his sister, Lesley Schmid.
Steve is survived by his children: daughter, Jorie (Kurt) Bauerly of Milaca, son Jeffrey Schwarten of Duluth, grandchildren Grace and Beau, and brother James Schwarten of Billings, MT, along with other cherished relatives and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Cambridge Lutheran Church, St. Olaf College (football athletics, biology department or general fund) or the Cambridge Isanti Dollars for Scholars Health Career Scholarship Fund.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Cambridge Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery – East Rush Lake.
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