Craig H. Schwarten

  Craig Harold Schwarten

September 8, 1952 – July 26, 2023

Age 70, passed on July 26, 2023, at his home.  Survived by Theresa Schwarten, his loving wife of 44 years; daughter Kimberlie (Bob) Jackson, grandchildren Layla, Soleil, Sawyer, Luna, Locke, son Joshua Schwarten, grandchildren Kaylee, Hannah, and Annabelle; siblings Suzanne Larson, Christine (Frank) Golden, Debora (Jeff) Hilger, Robin (Greg Dorau) Schwarten; nieces and nephews Allan Larson, Rachel (Jason) Veith, Trevor (Shanette) Owen, Summer (Ryan) Sheldon, Dane Owen, Dena Hodnett, Megan Duley (Mike), Erin (Jason) Siebenaler, Richard Schwarten; other family and friends.

Preceded in death by parents Richard and Iris Schwarten, grandson Lincoln Jackson, brother-in-law Al Larson.

Craig was born in Minnesota on September 8, 1952.  He graduated from White Bear Lake High School, attended Century College, Brown Institute where he studied electronic and graduated on the Dean’s List.  He later attended Northwestern College of Chiropractic obtaining a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

Craig lived several years in Oregon where he met his beautiful wife, Theresa.  He worked in corporate security before deciding to pursue a chiropractic degree.  Moving back to Minnesota, Craig and Theresa lived and raised their children on Clear Lake, in Forest Lake, where they hosted street dances, pond hockey, volleyball and many lake activities. They were active members at Crossroads Covenant Church enjoying the fellowship and friendships that have lasted through the years.  In 1988 he purchased Downtown Chiropractic where he practiced for many years.  After selling their practice, Craig and Theresa developed a passion for Bernese Mountain dogs and began operating a small and highly successful breeding kennel.  Raising and placing high quality puppies became one of the greatest joys of his life with the last litter being born in April 2023.  He loved his dogs!

Craig was very handy, building and expanding stables, kennels and structures on their hobby farm in Stacy MN, where he enjoyed many precious memories with his grandchildren. Barn dances, annual Little Bear Berner family reunions (15 years), apple cider making parties, BBQ cook-offs, and many family gatherings made for lots of treasured moments.  Craig loved a great sports car and was also an outdoorsman.  He enjoyed owning several different cabins, and hunting with his son and many friends. 

Craig will be missed for his intellect, fun sense of humor, compassion, and devotion to his family and friends.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN.  Family will be greeting friends at the funeral home 2 hours prior to the service beginning at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Northwoods Humane Society, PO Box 264 Wyoming, MN 55092.