Family makes time for each other every day

Staff

Published Monday, March 29, 2004

By Ann Austin, Tribune staff writer

The Schewes are interested in many things but mostly, they're interested in each other.

Howard and Julie Schewe and their son, Andrew, can list off each others' likes and dislikes in seconds flat. They work on projects together, and are proud of each person's individual accomplishments.

What makes the Schewe family so great is the effort they take to stay connected.

"We spend a lot of time together," Julie said.

Both Howard and Julie grew up in the Albert Lea area, met in junior high, and have been together ever since - 31 years this June.

Howard began his career as a carpenter and assisted with the remodeling of the steeple on the Alden church. He still enjoys the work and plans a basement remodeling project. He has used his skills in various areas of the Schewe's home, including a tree house for his son in their backyard.

For many years, he has worked as the city's park foreman.

Julie has had several jobs in Albert Lea throughout the years; her favorites being a secretary at the alternative school as well as a stint at the hospital.

She's worked part time since Andrew was born and volunteers a great deal at his school as a room mother. She is also a member of the parent-teacher organization.

Andrew was born 19 years after the Schewes were married. They deliberately waited to have children and spent a lot of time together going on trips.

Now, the family does smaller trips to Wisconsin Dells and the Black Hills, though a trip to Disney World in 2001 is one of their favorite family memories.

"It was the first time Andrew went on a plane," Julie said.

Howard eagerly awaits the day they will visit Cleveland's Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame this summer. It is likely to be one of his favorite memories.

The Schewes enjoy different pleasures, but they find appreciation for each person's interests.

Julie is an avid reader of intelligent fiction and historical works; her favorite authors being John Grisham and Ken Follett. She is also a prize-winning cross stitch artist, and has won first, second and third place ribbons at the Freeborn County Fair competitions.

Andrew was just inducted as a Boy Scout and looks forward to camping out this summer. He also is a whiz at Metroid Prime on the Nintendo Game Cube.

He is involved in the citizenship committee and was recently taped to appear on ZOOM, a show broadcast on public television, because his group collected more than 700 cans of food for a food drive.

Howard has an extensive collection of old rock and roll albums, mostly the 60s, and 70s. The Beatles, Tom Petty and Blues Magoos, which he describes as "kind of a psychedelic rock and roll band," are his favorites.

The family has developed a few traditions over the years. Whenever possible, they have meals together. On the Fourth of July every year, Julie and Andrew dress up in patriotic outfits and sit at the same spot on the front porch while Howard takes their picture. The family has made an album of the pictures over the years.

And every Sunday, Howard makes popcorn and the Schewes watch a movie or just relax. "He doesn't cook anything else, but he does make popcorn," Julie said.

Howard and Julie have never considered leaving Albert Lea to live in another town. "It's a good life here," Julie said. "We don't know any different."

Their son, Andrew, quite agrees. "It's a peaceful town," he said.

In a world where families tend to grow apart, the Schewes have grown closer together, but they have accomplished this because they made a priority.

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