Jerome D. "Jerry" Schwarzbauer, age 90, of Mora, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service.

Born on July 4, 1936, on the McGrath family farm, Jerry was raised in a close-knit farming family that instilled in him the values of hard work, compassion, and lifelong learning. He graduated from McGrath High School, attended the University of St. Thomas, studied for two years at Crosier Seminary, and earned a degree from the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture.

Jerry married Colleen Maroney in 1967 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church near the University of Minnesota campus. Together they shared more than 59 years of marriage, raising their family while making homes in Aitkin, Pine City, Carlton, Sartell, St. Cloud, and eventually Mora after Jerry's retirement.

Jerry began his career as an agriculture teacher before working in Farm Credit and banking. He was the “Jeri” in JeriCo with Colleen as they owned JeriCo Christian Journeys, serving church groups that travel around the world since 1990. His greatest professional fulfillment came as an ordained permanent deacon in the Catholic Church, where he faithfully served his parish and community for ten years. He considered these his "Camelot years," dedicating himself to ministry with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Jerry enjoyed deer hunting, working as a skilled mechanic, and tackling projects that challenged his inventive mind. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, repair what others thought impossible, or find a creative solution to a difficult problem.

More than anything, Jerry cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Colleen; his children, Maureen (Steve) Anderson, Lisa (Stipe) Vasilj, Karla (Chris) Tomczik, Steve (Nicole) Schwarzbauer, and Erin (Julian) Menne; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his older brother, Michael Schwartzbauer; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Nina Schwarzbauer; his brother, Roger Schwartzbauer; his sisters, Phyllis Schwarzbauer and Eileen Muelken; and other beloved family members.

Jerry will be remembered for his steadfast faith, quiet wisdom, generous spirit, and deep love for his family. His life touched many through his vocation, friendships, and acts of service, and his memory will continue to be a blessing to all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 24, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mora with Fr. Timothy Gapinski officiating. There will be an open casket Visitation on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 4 until 6 P.M. at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home in Mora, there will not be an open casket visitation at the church prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. There will be a lunch served at the St. Mary's Parish Center following the service.