Roger Schwieters

Longtime Crosslake resident, Roger H. Schwieters, passed away January 10, 2026, at his winter home in Titusville, FL. He was 89 years old.

Roger was born on May 10, 1936, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Nick and Helen (Gerding) Schwieters. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in 1954 and went on to earn a B.A. in English and Classical Languages from St. John’s College in Collegeville. He began his career teaching English in Albany, Minnesota, where he spent seven years before returning to St. John’s Prep to teach Latin and coach the cross-country team for an additional two years.

On August 22,1959, Roger married the love of his life Nancy Boyd. They were the second couple to be united in marriage at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. They were blessed with three children Mike, Mary, and Tom. After the passing of Nancy’s father and stepmother in November of 1966, Roger and Nancy moved north to take over the resort operations of Boyd Lodge. Roger was a visionary, always looking for opportunities to expand and enhance the resort, with a simple goal of providing families the opportunity to make memories and experience the beauty of the lake country. In 1969, they were the first housekeeping resort to add an outdoor swimming pool. In 1972, they built tennis courts to further enrich the family vacation experience. Roger sought to expand Boyd Lodge in 1982 by adding additional townhouses, a decision that welcomed countless guests who would go on to become lifelong friends and a cherished part of their memories.

Throughout his resorting career Roger was deeply involved in the Minnesota Resort Association, where he was a longtime member and served on the Board of Directors, holding the role of President in 1976. He was honored and awarded Minnesota Resorter of the Year in 1985. His leadership extended to MN Heartland as both a board member and President. Roger also dedicated many years to the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce serving as a member and board member in both organizations.

Roger’s commitment to his community extended well beyond his work in resorting. He was a founding member of Lakes State Bank and board member for 20 years. He also served on the board of St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Roger was dedicated to local education and served two terms on the Pequot Lakes School Board. In March 2013, Roger and Nancy held the honor of Grand Marshal for the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a role that reflected the deep respect and affection their community held for them. Above all, Roger was a devoted Christian. Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a commitment he has maintained from 1959 until present. He was an active and faithful member of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. He dedicated his time to the stewardship of the church and enjoyed helping with weekly tasks such as counting money and mowing grass with the guys. Over his years, Roger served on the building committee, parish council, and urges us all to CARRY THE CROSS.

Blessed to have shared in his life are his wife of 66 years, Nancy, and their children: Michael (Ruth), Mary (Mike) and Tom; foster child, Sherri (Greg); foster daughter-in-law, Lilly; grandchildren: Rachel, Nicole (David), Christopher (Erin), Kelsie (Brad), Carley, Hunter, Danny, Abbey and Lydia; foster grandchildren: Rachael (Emil), Emily, Luke, Elizabeth and Travis (Angie); great-grandchildren: Aubrielle and Nora; foster great-grandchildren: Eilly, Mario, Elijah, Shepard, Hadassah, Sapphire, Vivian, Hugo, Calvin and Sofia; siblings: Guy (Eileen), Sr., Jean Schwieters, Glenn (Anne) and Fr. John Schwieters; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roger was proceeded in death by his brother, Guy; sister in-law Eileen; and foster son, Rick.

Visitation will take place at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake on Friday, January 30, from 4:00–8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life and funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, also at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will take place afterward, with a reception and time for fellowship to follow in the parish hall.

For those unable to attend, please join via the livestream

If you have digital pictures you’d like to share with the family, please upload to Tribute Pictures of Roger Schwieters.

If you have stories or memories you’d like to share, please email to StoriesAboutRoger@gmail.com or use this link mykeeper.com/RogerSchwieters/ as we will create a memory book.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Roger with a donation to the Crosslake Knights of Columbus.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.