Duane Eugene Schwab

Duane Schwab, 72, of Woodlake ND, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2020. He was born in Emmons County, ND on June 23, 1947 to Dennis and Marie (Keller) Schwab. He was a 1966 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Devils Lake before graduating from Lake Region Junior College in 1968 and Minot State College in 1970. Duane was united in marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church to Linda Zarr on August 22, 1969.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Elks Club, and the Knights of Columbus in Devils Lake.

Duane’s passion was people. ‘Schwaby’ as he was known, enjoyed sports, the lake, his coffee groups, winters in Arizona, telling stories and jokes, but his biggest sources of pride were his student-athletes, family, and faith. He especially enjoyed following his grand daughters in their academics and activities.

Duane’s career was one of servitude and leadership. He began his teaching and coaching career at Lake Region Junior College before making stops at Lakota and Crary High Schools. He returned to Lake Region where he spent the next 25 years capturing 572 wins, 14 conference championships, and nine trips to the national tournament. He enjoyed the people he worked with and the many players and families he came to know and love. He was a mentor and father figure to his players and enjoyed watching them succeed long after they left Lake Region. He was inducted into the Lake Region State College Athletic Hall of Fame as well as the NJCAA National Basketball Hall of Fame.

Duane is survived by his wife of 50 years Linda, Woodlake, ND; his children Cory (Katie), Las Vegas, NV; Brady (Lyndsey), Thompson, ND; granddaughters Dru, Andie, and Quin; siblings: Adrian, Fargo, ND; Jerry (Ann) Bismarck, ND; Rich (Fran) Devils Lake, ND; Randy, Bismarck, ND; mother-in-law Helen Zarr (Devils Lake, ND); sister-in-laws Sharon Dosh, Lincoln, NE; Jackie (Richard) Johnson, Devils Lake, ND; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law John Zarr, and brother-in-law Ron Dosch.

A Phoenix, Arizona celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the Club House in Arcadia Grove at 1:00 pm.

Mass of a Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND with a lunch to follow at the Parish Center. A celebration of life will be held at the Robert Fawcett Auditorium at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, ND at 5:30 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, any donations can be sent to LRSC Community College Foundation in honor of Duane Schwab. 1598 United States, 1801 College Dr N, Devils Lake, ND 58301.