A Celebration of Life service to honor the life and legacy of Kevin Schwarting, age 68, of Lakefield, will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11 AM, with a time of visitation and gathering from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

Kevin "Kev" Alan Schwarting passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, November 10th, after courageously battling lung and kidney issues. He was born on September 2nd, 1957, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Milton and Lorraine (Lee) Schwarting. Kevin was baptized at the Harris United Methodist Church. He attended school at Harris–Lake Park, where he graduated in 1975. Following in his brother's footsteps, Kevin learned the art of butchering and meat cutting at the local grocery store. Over the years, he became a highly skilled meat cutter, a trade he devoted himself to throughout his career.

Kevin and Marlee (Van Maasdam) were united in marriage on January 13th, 1979, at the Methodist Church in Harris. They were blessed with three children — a daughter, Amy, and two sons, Tyler and Zachary.

Kevin and Marlee made their first home in Lake Park, where Kevin worked at Morrell Meat Plant in Estherville until its closure. When the local butcher shop in Lakefield, Minnesota, went up for sale, the couple saw an opportunity and decided to purchase it together.

For the next 41 years, Kevin and Marlee worked side by side at The Butcher Shop, building not only a successful business but also lasting friendships and a strong connection to their community. They proudly served customers from across the region. Even after selling the business in 2022, Kevin's strong work ethic never faded — had it not been for his health challenges, he would still have been unlocking the shop's door each morning.

Kevin enjoyed spending time outdoors from a young age. He learned to hunt and fish early in life, and later made sure his sons received proper gun safety training so they could all enjoy hunting together. Kevin's true passion, however, was fishing and boating. He took many memorable trips with his buddies to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota — and they all came home with plenty of fish stories to share. He also enjoyed golfing whenever he could find the time.

In addition to his love for the outdoors, Kevin dedicated 22 years as a volunteer fireman for the Lakefield Fire Department, serving his community with pride. It was no secret that he was also a devoted fan of the Minnesota Twins.

Kevin was part of a large and loving family, with six brothers and six sisters, so he understood from an early age just how important family truly is. Owning a business didn't always allow for as much time off as he might have liked, but Kevin and Marlee made the most of every moment they had together. They spent countless hours with their daughter, Amy, at her home in Worthington — and Kevin never missed an opportunity to spoil her. As Tyler and Zachary grew older, Kevin and Marlee could often be found in the bleachers, cheering proudly at any sporting event their boys were involved in.

If there was an Olympic event for what kind of person you were in life, Kevin would win the Gold in all categories: caring son and brother, loving husband and father, best friend and an amazing uncle, and the most recent category of COULD NOT BE PROUDER: Grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Marlee, of Lakefield, MN; his daughter, Amy Renae, of Worthington, MN; his son, Tyler Alan (Bailey), and their daughters, Benny Louise and her late twin sister, Oscar Rae; and his son, Zachary Lee, all of Lakefield, MN.

Kev was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters and a niece and nephew.

He will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.