Robert &8220;Bob&8221; F. Schwinefus, 89, long-time resident of Ostrander, died Thursday, Nov. 8th, 2007, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield after a short stay.

Memorial Mass for Robert will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Spring Valley, with the Rev. John Traufler officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

He was born Jan. 26, 1918 in Decorah, Iowa, to Louis and Rose (Imholt) Schwinefus. He attended school until he was old enough to go to work on the farm. In March 1942 he entered the U.S. Army and fought in World War II, serving with the 350th AAA Battalion. He returned home from the Army Dec. 31, 1945 and he continued farming and working in other occupations. He became post master for Ostrander in August of 1958 and retired from the Postal Service in 1980. He also served as mayor of Ostrander for 22 years from 1970 until 1992. Robert enjoyed raising horses a majority of his life. He was dedicated to the Arabian Horse Industry and was one of the first members of the Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders Association. In 1964 Robert, in partnership with Gerald Flaby, created the Hi-Fashion Arabian Consignment Sale which lasted until 1992.

Robert married Lois K. Pleiss of Albert Lea on June 26, 1964.

He is survived by his wife Lois of Ostrander, son Jay (Missy) Schwinefus of Spring Valley, and step-daughter Katherine (Wayne) Mortensen of Carver; four grandchildren, and one sister, Roselyn (Raymond) Engel of Neillsville, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Shirley; and three brothers, Donald, Richard, and Kenneth.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Chosen Valley Care Center for their wonderful care and assistance during Robert&8217;s stay.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.