Raymond Charles Schwamberger, Jr.

Raymond Charles Schwamberger, Jr., age 86, of Mankato, died March 7, 2022, surrounded by his children.

Visitation will be held from 1-3pm, Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato. Funeral Mass will be 11am, Monday, March 14, 2022, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Military honors will be provided by the Mankato Area Veterans Memorial Rifle Squad. Burial following at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Janesville. Livestreaming will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Ray Charles was born June 15, 1935, in Mankato, MN to Mary Helen (Reichel) and Raymond Charles Schwamberger, Sr. He attended SS. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and School and graduated from Loyola High School in 1953. Ray served as a Sergeant E-5 HHC 2nd BN 135th INF in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1964.

Ray was a proud employee of Continental Can Company (Crown Cork & Seal Company) in Mankato his entire career. As a production technician, he helped make vegetable cans and millions of can "ends." Ray retired after 43 years of loyal service in 1995 to pursue his love of travel in his RV. He officially became a “snowbird” and loved sunshine and his friends in Mission, TX.

Ray married the love of his life, Janet Marie Eustice, on September 29, 1962.They met at the Kato Ballroom and had their first official date at the Steele County Fair. After a few years of living in Mankato, they purchased their home on Lake Washington, where they raised their children.  

Ray is survived by his children, Julie Schwamberger, Mike (Susan) Schwamberger of Madison Lake, Jill (Brad) Frederick of Janesville, and Maggie (Erik) Johansen of Mankato; grandchildren, Ben (Sammy) Schwamberger, Jordan (Sarah) Frederick, Nicole Schwamberger, Nicholas Frederick, Sarah Johansen, and Maddy Johansen; great-grandchildren, Theodore Schwamberger and Arthur Schwamberger; sisters, Mary Jean (Bill) Hoffman of Mankato and Ginger (Chris) Hoffman of Elysian; and brother, Tom (Kathy) Schwamberger of Elk River.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jan; sister, Ann Huff; and brother, John Schwamberger.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.