Jack Schwend passed away on June 13, 2021. Jack was born Sept 24, 1927, the son of Claude Alexander and Mary Blanche (Bennett) Schwend in Bridger Montana.
Jack attended school in Bridger and graduated high school in 1945. He rodeoed for several years, winning numerous buckles, and in 1948, Jack and Bep were chosen King and Queen of the Jim Bridger Day rodeo. His rodeo career came to an end at a rodeo in Red Lodge, when a saddle bronc went over backwards with him. From then on he carried his head with a tilt enabling him to see normal.
He married Beatrice Siemsen on July 20, 1951. Jack was drafted into the US Army in 1951 and served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Army, they moved back to the family ranch in Bridger.
They lived for a few years on the Crow Indian Reservation near Hardin, while Jack was employed by the Reservation Ranchers Inc. (nicknamed the Pumpkin Rollers), of which Jack was a member, having livestock in the pasture pool.
In 1960 they bought a place near Rosebud and lived and ranched with their two sons in that area the rest of his life. He was very involved with the Forsyth Horse Show and was a director for many years. At the age of 65, Jack learned how to play the violin on an old family violin he found in the attic of the old home place in Bridger. He also started making violins and mandolins, which he taught his grandchildren and neighboring kids how to play. He always had an interest in cowboy poetry and published two books of his poetry (Take A Long Rein & A Deep Seat and Stop & Smell the Wild Onions) and wrote several tributes to numerous family and friends for special occasions.
He is survived by his children – Justin Claude (Cassandra) Schwend of Rosebud and Brian J (Beverly) Schwend of Forsyth; his grandchildren – Brock (Amanda) Schwend of Belle Fourche, SD, Skyler (Leanna) Schwend of Forsyth, Jeremy (Meghan) Schwend of Athens, GA, and Nicole Schwend (fiance’ Rico Stormer) of Forsyth/Billings; his great-grandchildren, Jessop, Elias, Audrey, Landry, Sutton, and Soren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Bep; his parents, Claude & Blanche; his brothers, Jess (Mildred), Bert (Hazel), Walt (Ida), and Bill (Mary); his sisters, Evelyn (Elmer) Hunter, Gladys (Gordon) Anderson, Ethel (Irvin) Ellis, Catherine (died at birth), and Betty (Buster) Larson. Jack and Bep were both the last of their generation.
Jack and Beatrice Schwend of Rosebud
Diana Robinette says
Sending my prayers to Justin and Brian and you family, may the Lord be with you during your grief.
Susan M Stabelfeldt says
Justin, Brian and family,
Sending prayers and hugs.
Jack and Bep were always so kind.
Love Susan
Lynn Holland says
Justin and Brian and families,
Thinking of you and the memories I have of of you and your folks. They were great neighbors to me
and my folks. Sorry to hear this again so soon. Lynn Holland
Carolyn Hays says
I guess Jack just didn’t want to go on without Bep. May they both rest in peace, eternally together. My deepest sympathies to all of you to lose both of them so close together. Wonderful people-they will be missed! Cooky (Johnson) Hays
Peggy Certain says
with sympathy on the recent loss of your parents.
God’s peace be with you.
Connie Brown says
So sorry to hear of the loss of both of your parents so soon. They were both such wonderful people that used their God given talents! May God give you peace as you hold tight to the memories.
Jackie Shaw Armstrong says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss for both parents so close together. Strong love and bond for them Thinking of all your families
Alandra Pearson Hill says
Jack and Bep are together again. May your memories of your wonderful folks bring you comfort during this sad time. I always enjoyed our visits when they would stop in at Scott’s.
Linda Jackson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to help with Jack. Every time I hear “Waltz across Texas with you” I will think of him. I’m so happy for Jack though. Now him and Bep are together again.
Kim Gebhardt says
Nicole,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandparents. I had no idea Bep was your grandma. My family has some of her artwork and we love it!! Many prayers to you and your family!
Terri Coldwell says
Brian, Justin and families. I am sorry to hear of your folks. Keep your memories alive by talking about them!! it willlift your spirits and hopefully make you laugh
Lynnette watson says
I’m sorry for your loss.when I hear the song waltz across Texas with you I will thing about Jack. God bless you all
Dave and Donna Lloyd says
Great friends and neighbors. Hate to see them go.
Always enjoyed their visits. So did Dad and mother. Condolences to the family.
Pamela Ash says
I am so very sorry for your losses. Such nice people !
Linda Seleg Wyse says
Justin, Brian and families, so sorry for you loss, your parents where great neighbors, always loved visiting with them, treasure the memories.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Justin, Brian and families,
Sorry to hear your folks have passed. Condolences to all of you.
Scott and Voni Tally says
Voni and I are so sorry for your lose, your mom and dad were very special people, they will always be remembered and close to our hearts
Brenda potts says
Brian and Justin so sorry for the loss of your wonderful parents. I always enjoyed visiting with them when I had the opportunity
Blessings
Brenda
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of loss. May their lives be an ongoing legacy for their family.
Toni Stookey says
Thoughts and prayers for Justin and Brian and the family members.. soo sorry for your losses. It was always fun and a Pleasure when visiting..they were always enjoyable…