Elroy "Blackie" Schwirtz

Elroy “Blackie” H. Schwirtz, age 95, of Chaska, formerly of Arlington, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Auburn Manor in Chaska, MN.

Blackie was born on August 17, 1929, in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, MN, to Herman and Sophie (Bullert) Schwirtz. He attended St. Paul’s Evangelical Parochial School and Arlington High School. At age 17, Blackie joined the United States Marine Corps and served for seven years, including deployment to Korea. He later continued his service with the U.S. Army Reserve, which included deployment to Vietnam with the 452nd of Winthrop, MN.

Blackie married Janet Weihe on December 13, 1950. Together they had seven children. They later divorced. On May 15, 1976, he married Patricia “Pat” Ann Voigt. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2023.

Blackie worked as a bricklayer for Les Pinske Construction and later as a pipefitter for Sterner Industries in Winsted, MN. His work took him across the U.S. and abroad. Blackie and Pat also were the owners of Schwirtz Water Care Service in Arlington, MN

Blackie was very active in the Arlington VFW and American Legion. He was instrumental and most proud of the creation of the Walking Path of Honor at Arlington Memorial Park. Blackie especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sharing stories about the military, and hosting with Pat, the well-loved sauerkraut feeds. He was known for his warm hugs and calling each loved one his “favorite.” He lived with a strong faith and a grateful heart.

Blackie is survived by his children: Gayle (Gary) Streich of Hoffman, MN; Barbara (Curt) Reetz of Arlington, MN; Joe (Mary Beth) Schwirtz of Arlington, MN; and Jodi (Gary) Needham of Cape Coral, FL. Stepchildren: Todd Voigt, Jodie (Steve) Myrvold, and Terry (Ann) Voigt. Also survived by 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Blackie is preceded in death by wife Pat; children Steve Schwirtz, Pam Lohse, and Cindy Schwirtz-Hebeisen; and siblings Lucille Volinkaty, Ann Bartels, Marion Moran, and Jacob Schwirtz.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN. A visitation will be at the church prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Arlington Public Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church following the burial.

Memorials are preferred to the Walking Path of Honor at the Arlington Memorial Park.  Family wishes to thank the Auburn Manor in Chaska and Ridgeview Hospice Program for their special care and kindness.