Hunter Schwieder

Perhaps he was an angel in disguise, or maybe it was the remarkable way he touched everyone he met, but it is certain that in his brief 26 years, Hunter Schwieder impacted the lives of all who came to know and love him. With his ready smile, it was in Hunter's nature to be happy. He taught others, freely giving the gift of happiness to those who enjoyed his company. Most importantly, Hunter made a difference in the lives of many. He was a beautiful, loving example of how God's love transcends all, and that His love is for everyone.

Hunter's story began in the year 1988 as the economy continued on a course of recession. Talk of global warming was on the rise, and television pushed the envelope within the culture of America. Dustin Hoffman won the Academy Award for his portrayal in the movie, Rain Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers were a hit with children everywhere. Yet on May 17, 1988 in the Minnesota city of Rochester, little did Scott Schwieder and Lynn (Hentges) Schwieder realize the birth of their son, Hunter Orville would have such an impact on the world around him.

Although young Hunter came into the world with his share of challenges, he was well loved by the family who knew him best. He was raised alongside his sisters, Johanna and Audrey, and eventually five stepsiblings, Kelsi, Alexa, Dakota, Jessica, and Ashley who came to know and love him. Hunter’s family made their home in St. Charles and Utica, Minnesota where they were members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He recognized people by their voices and faces, and loved Father Jim and Father Kurt's voices. With ways all his own, Hunter taught others how to truly make a joyful noise. He'd often laugh or in his way verbalize excitement with his approval and agreement, specifically during the message in church, but Father Jim didn’t mind. He believed people should hear Hunter and be reminded of God’s love for everyone.

When he was a youngster, Hunter’s older sister, Johanna was a loving, nurturing caregiver towards him. She'd often take him up to the piano and give him lessons. She also loved reading to him, and would figure out a way to prop him up to do so. Hunter’s younger sister, Audrey and his stepsisters were also each gifted with a caring heart towards Hunter.

Having attended the local schools, Hunter enlightened everyone with his joyful nature. From his earliest years, he loved being around others, and was always quite social. He had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially Wally, and loved music, too. Hunter and his grandpa Bud spent enjoyable times fishing and taking pontoon boat rides together, and he loved playing computer games.

Like any young man, Hunter liked going to sporting events and concerts, and simply enjoyed being around people. When he graduated from St. Charles High School in 2006, they had to choose from a list of volunteers who offered to push his chair at commencement and up the podium to receive his diploma. And during his graduation party, all of his fellow classmates stopped by to congratulate him.

Hunter later moved to Goodview where he lived at Goodview Cardinal Homes of Minnesota. He also acquired a job working for the DAC of Winona. He enjoyed playing miracle league softball, and together with his housemates, enjoyed bowling, attending parades and ringing the bells at Christmastime. Hunter loved being out in the community with people where his contagious smile made days brighter for everyone, and often melted the hearts of others. He had a special way of connecting well with certain people, especially his friend, Laura Kirby, grandma Bev, his house mates Lucas and Kim, and all the staff at the Goodview house. Wherever he went and whatever he did, Hunter made a difference in lives of those around him. His mother and father will forever be grateful to God for bringing Hunter into their life.

Often referred to as a living angel, Hunter Schwieder touched everyone he met. Perhaps it was God's infinite plan to use Hunter's life to teach others, because he truly was a teacher of the heart. He cultivated happiness in others, and enlightened those around him with genuine friendship. Undeniably, he taught there is no reason to fear those with differing abilities. Hunter had remarkable patience and a wonderful imagination and shared it with others in numerous ways. He taught that no matter the circumstances, life is worth living. Hunter was an example who time and again taught people that certain dispositions and challenges in life were not a reason to live each day without joy. Despite his own challenges, Hunter lived fully and completely at every opportunity and will be deeply missed and remembered for all he gave, and more.

Hunter Orville Schwieder, 26, of Goodview and formerly of St. Charles, died Friday, December 19, 2014 at his home in Goodview. Survivors include his dad, Scott (Christiane) Schwieder of Utica; his mother, Lynn (Dean) Bockenhauer of St. Charles; sisters: Johanna (Nate) Carlson and Audrey Schwieder of St. Charles; stepsisters and step brother: Kelsi, Alexa, Dakota, Jessica and Ashley; grandparents: Sadie Koenig, Earl and Fran Bockenhauer, Guy and Louise Roy; and great-grandmother, Ivanetta Hoppe of Plainview. Hunter was preceded in death by grandparents: Alvin and Bev Schwieder, Ray Koenig, Orville Hentges and great-grandfather, Emil Hoppe.

A Funeral Mass will be 11AM Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with the Reverends Kurt Farrell and James Callahan officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Utica. Friends may call from 5-8PM Monday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. A prayer service and sharing of memories will take place at the end of the visitation. Friends may also call one hour before services at the church. Pallbearers will be Lucas Lindbaum, Trevor Schwieder, Coy Schwieder, Gunner Schwieder, Bo Hentges, Nate Carlson and Lucas Schwieder. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Hunter and to view his tribute video.