WITH PIX

Roman "Romey" P. Schwegel, 74, passed away on Oct. 7, 2004, at North Valley Hospital.

Romey was born April 30, 1931, at St. Joseph, Minn., to Michael and Ottillia (Gillitzer) Schwegel. He was raised in the Blackduck, Minn. area, attending school there. He graduated from Blackduck High School in 1949.

Romey enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as forward observer in Korea. He earned several medals, including a Bronze Star that he was very proud of.

After his military service he worked for several companies, including Continental Baking in Minneapolis and the Minnesota Highway Department, where he was foreman of a bridge repair crew.

In 1957, he married the former Nancy Corne at Blackduck. Together they raised five children.

In 1973, he moved his family to Olney, where American Timber Co. employed him as the head boiler operator and plumber. He retired in 1993.

Romey loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He has many funny stories about his hunting and fishing experiences, many of which included his sons. He was always tinkering with something, trying to improve it - the "Tim Allen" of his generation.

During his early retirement years, he made beautiful hand-made wood furniture until his health forced him to give it up. There are many fine examples of his cedar chests and cabinetry throughout Northwest Montana and other states.

Romey was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Clarence, Henry, Benedict, George, Frank and Leroy; sisters Hildagarde and Mildred; and infant daughter, Christine.

He was a life member of VFW Post 276, Whitefish, and for many years was active in the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; daughters, Lisa and husband, Gary Hill, of Olney, and Lana and husband, Daniel Wright, of Kalispell; his sons, Kim and wife, Jera, of Kalispell and Arizona, Greg and wife, Janet, of Olney, and Carl and wife, Lisa, of Craig, Alaska; grandchildren, Jason, Michael, Sara, Maria, Larry, Misty, Tarsha, Kimisha, Jeramie, Chad, Cody and Edward; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Albert of Whitefish and Arthur of Columbia Falls; and a sister, Caroline "Lillian" of Blackduck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 17 at the VFW Post 276, Whitefish.

"We love you Dad."