Nancy C. Schwartau

Nancy Carol Blakeslee Schwartau passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the age of 94 surrounded by family.

She was born in Wadena, Minnesota on June 23rd 1931 to C.L. Blakeslee and Irene Firman Blakeslee. Nancy’s family lived in Long Prairie, Albert Lea, and Duluth, Minnesota. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1949, then went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she majored in Home Economics and met her husband, Merle Schwartau, an Agricultural Education major.

She was the eldest of three sisters and together they spent many happy days ice skating, playing softball, and riding bikes. She told stories of playing with their dog Nubby and pet sheep Oscar. Nancy joined 4-H and among her projects were raising and showing sheep and clothing construction. Throughout her life she formed lasting friendships including Beverly Seabloom, an honorary Blakeslee sister and Muriel Joseph her dear neighbor. She treasured spending time with her grandparents in Grand Rapids and Spring Valley. She enjoyed sleeping under the stars and spending time in nature. She had a knack for finding four leaf clovers and loved campfires, the first spring violets, writing poems and giving May Day baskets.

She met her husband, Merle Schwartau, at the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus. Nancy was playing ping-pong and he was sweeping the floors in the Student Union. While at the U of M she joined Beta of Clovia Sorority and held dear those friendships and traditions. Merle and Nancy were married in Duluth on July 26th 1952. They resided across Southeast Minnesota in Adams, Harmony, Northfield and finally purchased a farm in Featherstone Township, near Red Wing in 1958.

Nancy dairy farmed with Merle throughout their life, feeding calves, doing bookwork, and helping with fieldwork. Nancy was very much Merle’s equal partner on the farm. She was a loving mother to Carol, Kurt, Kay, Daniel and David, raising them on the farm. She served as a 4-H leader for the Featherstone Boosters and was awarded the Goodhue County Friend of 4-H Award. She was active in the Featherstone Prairie Belles Home Study group. Nancy was a member of First Lutheran Church in Red Wing and volunteered at the food shelf. Nancy loved babies of all kinds, human or animals. Kittens, lambs, puppies and calves were particular favorites. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend.

Nancy is survived by her children; Carol (Ray) Olson of Roseville, Kurt (Lynne) Schwartau of Fond Du Lac, Kay (David Betcher) Schwartau of Red Wing, Daniel (Mary Jo) Schwartau of Hager City, David (Jane) Schwartau of Red Wing. Grandchildren: Eric Schwartau, Jennifer Schwartau, Alyson (Lee) Kloeckner, Emily Schwartau, Ashley (Ean) Gibson, Tyler (Julie) Matthys, Jenny (Jeff) Crandall, Jeremy Olson and Sara Olson. Great grandchildren: Eliza, Hannah, Arthur, Walter, Brandie, Lila, Tyler, Kallie, Jordan, Skyler. Numerous nieces and nephews. Her sister Marilyn Lanning survives as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Merle, sister Beverly, niece Barb and many dear cousins, friends and neighbors.

Family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at St. Crispin’s Care Center and Mayo Hospice Caregivers who helped Nancy throughout the past year.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Quinlan Koch officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.