Lee Thomas Schwanke age 56 of Puerto Morelos, Mexico passed away in his home on July 31st 2021 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage 4 of June 5th 2021. He grew up in on a farm in Grey Eagle Minnesota, graduated from Long Prairie High school in 1983, earned his Bachelor of Science and Art Education and Business from Mankato State, his Master of Art in Human Development and Art Therapy, then went on to become a Nationally Board Certified Teacher. He began his art teaching career in Baltimore, MD where he worked for 2 years before settling into his career at Dowling Elementary School in Minneapolis MN for 28 years. While there he spent time advocating for art teachers to become certified in special education by teaching a course on adapting art curriculum for students with special needs. He hosted a plethora of student teachers and inspired thousands of students.

Lee enjoyed spending time with family and friends, making art, traveling, going for long walks, snorkeling, tattooing his body and was learning to surf. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren.

  Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife Mary Lynn, daughter Brittany Harnett (Jennifer), son Brock Schwanke (fiancé Isis), son Bowen Schwanke, granddaughters Hunter Harnett and Hailey Harnett, mother Magdalen “Toots" Schwanke, and brother Ron Schwanke (Sue). He was proceeded in death by his father Dean Schwanke and brother Loren Schwanke. 

       A Celebration of life will be had at Sweeneys Bar on 96 Dale St N St.Paul MN 55102 on September 22nd from 4pm to 10pm.