Marvel L. "Granny" Schwen

Marvel L. (Fox) Schwen, age 97, of Alexandria, formerly of Blue Earth and Brainerd, died on Monday, October 21, 2024, in her home at Windmill Ponds.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2024, at Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria with Pastor Gregg Donnelly presiding. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Internment will take place at Blue Earth Cemetery, 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 29th, 2024.

Marvel Leone was born on June 4, 1927, in Fairmont, MN to Roy and Charlotte (Viesselman) Fox, the youngest of three children, with two older brothers, Donald and James Fox. She said that as a child she was considered a “tomboy’ and enjoyed climbing trees, riding cows and running and playing the way the boys did. She loved spending time at her grandparents’ farms. Her family called her “Sis”. Marvel graduated from Cokato High School in 1945 and attended the University of MN dental hygiene school. Meanwhile, her parents moved from Fairmont to Blue Earth and the new neighbor’s son happened to be a handsome young Navy pilot just home from the service.

Marvel was united in marriage to Maurice Schwen in February of 1947 and settled in Blue Earth where they raised their three children, Susan, Steven and Kent. Maurice ran the family business, Schwen’s Ice Cream & Candy Co. Marvel loved being an involved community member. She volunteered in her children’s schools, served as a Boy Scout Den Mother and was a faithful and active member of Salem EUB Church. Salem was an important part of their life—Marvel and Maurice were married there and many of their most sacred events and celebrations took place under its roof. 

Marvel was a skilled and gracious hostess and often invited friends and family to their Riverside Heights home. She was a talented amateur artist, especially painting with watercolors. She enjoyed playing Bridge, lunching and golfing with friends. Marvel and Maurice semi-retired to Brainerd and their Gull Lake home in the 1990’s where they were both active in Mid-American Energy with son Kent. Marvel relished her shaded patio afternoons with a book and her walks to the mailbox and through Cinosam. Marvel always missed Blue Earth and was happiest when family came to visit at “The Lake.”

Grands and great grands affectionately called Marvel, “Granny”, a funny name for such a graceful and gorgeous woman. Marvel had a sweet tooth, and always had candy to share. One didn’t leave Granny and Papa’s without making a stop at the candy drawer. Marvel loved the many family pets over the years, and the smart ones knew to sit close to her during dinner time. Marvel was so very proud of her family, and into her final days told anyone and everyone her family was her life’s greatest gift.

Marvel and Maurice were married for 75 years and are now eternally reunited with each other and most importantly their heavenly Father.

Marvel was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and loving husband Maurice and is survived by her daughter, Susan (Roger) Johnson of Alexandria, and grandchildren Kristina Milinkovich, Jenny (David) Bessingpas, Mandy (Joe) Souba; Son, Steven Schwen of Lake City, and grandchildren, Sam (Becca) Schwen, Joe (Rebecca) Schwen, Jesse (Kari) Schwen, Gus Schwen, Isaiah Schwen, Hope Schwen; Son, Kent (Jodi) Schwen of Brainerd, and grandchildren, Andy (Missy) Schwen, David Schwen, Nick (Hayley) Schwen; 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Windmill Ponds of Alexandria, MN for the loving care they provided for Marvel for the last 22 months.