Duane Benjamin Schwendy

CARTHAGE- Duane Benjamin Schwendy, 86, of State Route 126, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025 at his home, under the loving care of his family and Lewis County Hospice.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rosemary; three children, Katrina (Douglas) Thomas of Watertown; Kristine Colson of Croghan; Kent (Susan) Schwendy of Manchester, CT; five grandchildren, Esther, Jazmine, Elyssa, Benjamin, and Carolyn; two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Brennan; a sister-n-law, Phyllis Schwendy; brother-in-law, Charles Reay; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is predeceased by a son-in-law, Jeffrey Colson; a brother, Donald Schwendy; and two sisters, Diane Wheeler and Patricia Reay.

Duane was born on June 13, 1939 at home in the Town of Croghan, NY, a son of the late Francis B. and Irene Snyder Schwendy.  He attended country school in Naumburg and Beaver River Central School.  After his schooling, he drew milk for Dairylea.  On June 6, 1959, he married Rosemary Monnat at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church with Rev. Fidelis E. Lynch O.F.M. officiating.  Duane started working at Climax Manufacturing in Castorland and later in Lowville, retiring on January 1, 2003 after 43 years of employment there.  Duane and Rosemary owned D & R Dairy Bar next to their home for 16 years.

He was a communicant of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Croghan, a member of the former St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Castorland and the Sacred Heart Foundation.   Duane was a member of the Beaver River Fish and Game Club.

He enjoyed the outdoors, cutting wood, gardening, bullhead fishing, going to camp, and snowmobiling.  Duane also loved traveling with Rosemary, square dancing, also playing cards, bowling, watching Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune, and going to casinos.

A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church with Rev. Donald Manfred, Pastor, officiating.  There are no calling hours.  Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Restoration Campaign, P.O. Box 38, Croghan, NY 13327 or Friends of Lewis County Hospice, P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367.  Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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