Ricky “Rick” A. Schewe

Ricky “Rick” A. Schewe, age 70, of Austin, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City, IA, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born on August 30, 1954, in Albert Lea, MN, to Lawrence and Stella (Nelson) Schewe. He was raised in the Oakland area and graduated from Austin High School in 1972. Rick began his career in construction before following his passion for cars and opening Rick’s Auto Service, a business he proudly owned and operated until his retirement in 2016. More than just a place to fix vehicles, Rick’s shop became a hub of conversation and connection, where many of his customers became lifelong friends.

In 1974, Rick married Roseann Gooch (Bailey), and together they had two sons, Brandon and Brent. After their divorce, Rick later married Cheryl “Cheri” Tufte on April 23, 1983. They made their home on a beloved acreage in rural Austin, where they raised three children: Shannon, Stormi, and Delta.

Rick enjoyed casting a line on a quiet lake, and playing cribbage and huckley buck—games that often brought out his competitive spirit and laughter. He had a particular soft spot for casinos, where he loved testing his luck—convinced that the next hand on the video poker machine would be a royal flush and might finally fund his retirement (again). Whether he walked out a winner or not, he always left with a smile and a good story. He also loved hitting the open road on his motorcycle in his early years, relaxing on the deck with a cold Rockstar, and tending to his garden. It was in his garden where another kind of adventure unfolded. While he took great pride in his plants, he seemed to spend just as much time in a lighthearted battle of wits with the critters who considered it their personal buffet. Squirrels, rabbits, deer, turkeys and other unwelcome visitors kept him on his toes – and gave him endless stories to share. One of his favorite annual events was the NHRA races in Brainerd, where the smell of burning racing fuel and the ground shaking roar of the engines were just his kind of music.

Above all, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his partner in life, Cheri; sons Brent (Mandi) Schewe of Austin, and Shannon (Melissa) Schewe of Austin; daughters Stormi (Drew) Oesterle of New Castle, CO, and Delta Schewe of Glenville; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, each of whom was his favorite; brother Dennis (Gerry) Schewe of Missouri; sisters Marlene Johnson-Hall of Austin and LaVonne Johnson of Idaho; sisters-in-law Deanna Schewe and Betty Schewe; brother-in-law Dean Lukes; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Stella; infant son, Brandon; brothers Keith and Larry Schewe; sister Charlotte Lukes; and brother-in-law Curtis Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 1:00–4:00 PM at the Mower County Senior Center, 400 3rd Ave NE, Austin, MN.

Arrangements are being handled by Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City. www.colonialchapels.com.