Howard Paul Sweiger

Howard Paul Sweiger, age 85 of Mankato died on July 31, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 pm on Friday August 3, 2012 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic in Mankato. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Mankato Mortuary with a prayer service at 7:00. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Howard was born on November 3, 1926 to David James and Mary Ann (Bartels) Sweiger in Mankato. He started working at age 15 for the Mankato Bread Company and in 1943 at 17, enlisted in the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Mae McGuire on December 8, 1951 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic, Mankato. Howard was stationed many places, including Maryland and Virginia where their children were born. Howard retired from the navy in 1964 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. The family moved back to Mankato where he worked as an auto mechanic by trade; working for various shops until opening Howard's Auto Repair. He enjoyed playing guitar, coin collecting and dirt track racing. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 950.

Howard is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children: Barbara (Jul Engelby) of Mankato, Howard Jr. of Mankato and Rose (Steve) Rustman of St. Peter. Grandchildren: Jamie of Memphis TN, Jim (Nicole) Rustman of New Ulm, and Charlie (Becky) Rustman of St. Peter; great grandchildren: Hazel Sweiger of Memphis TN and Noah Rustman of St. Peter; sister, Margaret Sack; brother, Francis "Ike"; in-laws: Frances Lorentz, Bernie McGuire, Mary (Mike) Hinniker and Jim (Ann) McGuire; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by and infant son: Robert James; and siblings: Marietta Rud, Eugene, Robert, Delores Morgan, Delane Parks, David "Bill", Mary Jane Baker, James, and Joanne Severns.

A special thank you to Howard's Angels at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato.