"My condolences to Blaine's family and friends. Losing a friend or family member always leaves a hole that never gets completely filled again. Blaine was a friend and classmate at CO-U. We had a lot of good times in class and study hall. Even though it has been fifty years since I last saw him, I remember him as always cheerful, with never a bad word for anyone. It's amazing the thoughts that pop into one's head at times. He and I were some of the first babies born at the old CCMH, and lived to see it closed and torn down, and a new one built. Tim Neumann"
In loving memory of
Blaine Earl Schwingdorf
July 29, 1954 - June 12, 2021
Blaine Earl Schwingdorf, son of Earl and Wilhelmina (Wellner) Schwingdorf, was born July 29, 1954, in Denison, Iowa. He grew up in Charter Oak and was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church. In 1972, Blaine graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School.
Blaine then started farming with his father and helped with construction of grain bins. Years later, he purchased and ran the Sparetime Bar in Mapleton, and did wheat combining with a crew throughout the Midwest. Following this, he did millwork at packing plants all over the United States, as well as tearing down and building bowling alley floors. In 1987, Blaine was hired as the Charter Oak city maintenance man, and remained there until his retirement in 2009.
Throughout his life, Blaine served as a volunteer firefighter for the Charter Oak Fire Department, was a member of the Charter Oak Jaycees, and was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church.
Blaine was a loving and caring son, brother and uncle. He enjoyed fishing with his dad and uncle Benny in Minnesota, playing cards, socializing with the people of Charter Oak, and loved gardening, always sharing the abundance with others. One of his hobbies included collecting Budweiser steins, and was thankful his niece helped him complete the collection. Blaine liked John Deere tractors and enjoyed going to many farm auctions where he would purchase various farm tools to add to his collection. His niece Paula would often send him jokes which Blaine enjoyed sharing with residents and staff at Premier Estates.
On Saturday, June 12, 2021, Blaine passed away at Elmwood Care Center in Onawa, Iowa, after visiting with all his nieces and nephews and his loving and caring sister Bonnie and her husband Lawrence.
Blaine was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Wilhelmina Schwingdorf and a nephew-in-law, Benjamin Monk.
Left to cherish his memory are: his sister, Bonnie (Lawrence) Meseck of Charter Oak; Nephews and nieces: Neal (Lisa) Meseck of Exira; Brenda (Lorne) Christiansen of Ute; Leon (Julie) Meseck of Charter Oak; Earleen (Rob) Uhl; of Battle Creek; Paula (Rob) Harris of Ute; Great nephews and nieces: Andrew (Morgan) Christiansen of Ute; Ashton (Jeremy) Peterson and their daughter Kinsley, of Alta; Aric Christiansen of Ute; Hailey, Abbey and Ryder Meseck of Charter Oak; Bradyn and Bailey Barber and Cole Uhl of Battle Creek; along with many other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"Dear Bonnie and family, I was so very sorry to learn of your loss. Blaine was a very nice young man and I know you were proud of him. Heaven needed another angel."
"Rest in peace Blaine. I know you always were watching out for me and ready to help whenever needed on the farm, around Charter Oak and any where else. My condolences to my aunt Bonnie, uncle Lawrence, and cousins Neal, Brenda, Leon, Earleen and Paula. "
"Rest in Heaven Blaine from a fellow classmate! Robyn Marsh Carstens"
"Blaine was an awesome caring man. I'll miss our early morning conversations & seeing his smile. He made the most of his what life threw at him. God gained another angel. I'm blessed to have known him. Sue Brenden"
"Blaine was always a kind hearted person. I enjoyed working with him for many years. Even after he retired, he was always willing to help answer questions regarding the water or sewer system for the City of Charter Oak. I'm so thankful that I was able to talk to Blaine last Friday afternoon to tell him how much I always appreciated his help. Rest in peace, I will sure miss you. Pam Tripp"
"Sending Condolences to Bonnie and Lawrence. Blaine was my cousin and the past few years we have spoke on the phone and he texted me often. I will miss his early morning texts telling me to have a great day or enjoy the sunny day ahead. He was so kind and a joy to spend those few minutes in conversation. I will miss him. Love to all.... Nancy Failla (cousin)"