Ishpeming – Erich Schwanke, age 82, of 19695 Co. Rd. 476, Ishpeming, passed away on March 5, 2015 at his home while under the loving care of his family and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Erich was born August 27, 1932 in Grodizno, Germany the son of the late Adolph and Emma (Krause) Schwanke. Erich grew up in Germany and moved to Evanston, IL at age 20 where he worked as a welder in an Iron Shop. He became a United States citizen and served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1957 – 1959. After his service time, Erich moved back to Illinois and married his first wife Gayle Peterson, who preceded him in death on July 28, 1980. From 1961 – 1974 Erich was a semi-truck driver. He then came to the UP in 1975 and was the owner and operator of Schwanke's Service Station and Store (formerly Maki's Store) in Humboldt Twp. which he operated until 1980. Erich went on to work for the United States Postal Service at the service center in Iron Mountain / Kingsford until his retirement in 1994. He was presently residing in Tilden Twp where he had moved to in 1993 from Republic.

Erich was a life member of the Ishpeming VFW, Post #4573 where he had served as former Commander of the Post and former District 14 Commander. Erich was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the AmVets. He enjoyed tinkering around his yard and garage always planting a garden each spring, along with time spent fishing. He spent a few winters in Corpus Christie, TX during his retirement years.

Survivors include his wife Mary A. (Laitinen) Schwanke of Ishpeming, 5 children – Erich (Chris) Schwanke of Kelso, WA, Robert (Carol) Schwanke of Dover Plains, NY, Henry (Kim) Schwanke of Marquette, Karin (Ron) Venn of Republic and Wanda Koski (Paul Perry) of Republic, 4 step-children – Donna (Rob) Kukla of Gwinn, James (Jessie) Maki Jr. of Ishpeming, Sherry (Bryan) Prusi of Ishpeming and Richard (Kari) Maki of Ishpeming, 3 sisters - Irna, Erma and Lydia all of Germany, 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00- 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm on Wednesday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate. Interment will take place in the spring at the Republic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380. A luncheon will follow the services at the Ishpeming VFW.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .