Joel Francis Schwarz, age 87, of Twin Lakes passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota with his family’s loving hands upon him.

Joel F. Schwarz

Joel graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1955. In 1957 he joined the US Navy and reported for duty upon the USS Bennington. After completing his time in the Navy he returned to Albert Lea and was employed by Wilson Foods. After many years in the meat packing industry Joel owned/operated Twin Lakes Auto and Twin Lakes Grocery and Gas.

Joel gave to his community by serving as Mayor for 16 years as well as being on the volunteer fire department. He was involved in the youth hockey program and was a member of the YMCA. He had several hobbies that kept him busy including gardening, woodworking, reading and studying the markets, but his passion was golf. He began as a child at Green Lea Golf Course. He was also a member of the Albert Lea Country Club and finally found his true home at Rice Lake Golf Course in Lake Mills, IA. In his years he accumulated six holes-in-one as well as several tournament championships.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents Henry J. Schwarz and Margaret E. Schwarz as well as stepmother Winifred Schwarz and his son Mark J. Schwarz

Joel is survived by his daughters and son Annette (Jay) Crabtree, Glenville, MN, Jayne (Brian) Robertson, Reno, NV, Jason (Cory) Schwarz, Faribault, MN, sister Susan (Jim) Meath, Melbourne FL, grandchildren Matthew (Katie) Schwarz, San Antonio, TX, Erica Schwarz, San Antonio, TX, Carly Schmitz, Des Moines, IA, Alexandra (Luke) Grossman, Des Moines, IA, Jenna Higginbotham, Reno, NV, Nicole Higginbotham, Reno, NV, Beckham Robertson and Isabella Robertson, Reno, NV Joshua Schwarz, Faribault, MN , Katie Schwarz, Albert Lea, MN and four great-grandchildren. Upon Joel’s wishes the family will be holding a private memorial.

What will we do without your colorful insight into the world; you will be so missed.

Deepest thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan Center and St. Croix Hospice.