David “Dave” J. Tschanz and Gwendolyn “Gwen” A. Tschanz
David John Tschanz was born May 23, 1936, to Christian and Lillian (Bourne) Tschanz in the Detroit Michigan area. He was the youngest of three children: Barbara (Ray Crute) and Ken (Ardith). At nine years of age, while attending a Good News Club in his school, he recognized his need for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and committed to searching God’s Word for direction in his life. He graduated from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, MN, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. During his senior year, he attended night classes at Dunwoody Institute where he learned the skills of carpentry.
Gwendolyn Ann (Thompson) Tschanz was born December 7, 1935, to Ralph and Vera (Nelson) Thompson in Whitehall. She was the oldest of eight children: Jane (Norval Pittman), Linda Elliott, Vivyen (Dick Angelo), Maewin Haege, Roger, Donald (Betty), and Arleen (Jerry Brantham). At a young age, Gwen recognized her sin, repented, and became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. After graduating from Whitehall High School, she moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she lived with her uncle and aunt, Orlin and Edith Eide, while she worked at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital.
Dave met Gwen as they served as summer missionaries with Marine Medical Mission on Thetis Island, British Columbia, Canada. They married September 13, 1958, and returned to Thetis Island to serve as house parents to Native American young adults. Stephen was born during the time they were there. In September 1959, they were reassigned to Tulalip Indian Reservation near Marysville, WA, working under the Mission’s new name, North American Indian Mission (NAIM). It was during this time that Dave built homes for needy widows and coached basketball. As a couple, they ministered to the community and led the Good News Club. The rest of the children Sue, Scott, Shawn, and Stacy were born during their time at Tulalip.
After 10 years, in May of 1969, they returned to Thetis Island, B.C. where Dave and Gwen had multiple responsibilities at the camp and conference grounds that the Mission owned. One of Dave’s roles was camp and conference grounds manager and his carpentry skills were used to help construct many buildings. It was during this time that Dave got interested in raising beef cattle. Gwen was busy cooking in the Mission’s kitchen, managing food ordering, and raising their family. Summers were busy with Native American kids coming to camp. During winters, they would train future missionary families that were preparing to work with Native American ministries.
In October 1974, Dave and Gwen and their children returned to where Gwen grew up in Wisconsin, and began to beef farm with the help of Gwen’s father, Ralph, and brothers: Roger and Don. As a family, they were involved in church ministries, led Bible studies, organized Valentines banquets, and Gwen spoke at some women’s ministry events. Their home was always open. Gwen delighted in her roles as a wife and mother, and they spent countless hours investing in the lives of their extended family.
In 1994, Dave and their sons built their current octagon house out of styrofoam blocks and cement (Ice Block). This home served as a gathering place for many family events and their children and grandchildren loved to spend time there. Dave continued his planning and building until he was physically unable to do so. He helped on the farm, even mowing hay this past summer and kept his big lawn and trees well trimmed. Dave and Gwen spent hours reading God’s Word together and singing His praises, even up to a few weeks ago, daily praying for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dave led a regular Bible study in the local nursing home (Grand View) and they also gathered as a family for Bible studies with local believers.
They both died peacefully at home, surrounded by their family, only 22 days apart — Dave on September 5, 2021, and Gwen on September 27, 2021. They are survived by their five children; 22 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Stephen (Corri) of Blair – Jesse, Rachel – Britta, Braelee, Ethan (Catherine) – Malachi, Sophia, Judah, Jacob, Sarah (Dan) Schweitzer – Jordan, Josephine;
Sue (Amos) Szajner of Lake Elmo, MN – Leah (Jake) Anderson – Cedric, Lewis, Hannah (Sam) Deloye – Matthias, Levi (Rachel) Szajner;
Scott of Minneapolis, MN;
Shawn (Ann) of Taylor – Jonathan (Jheri) – Madison, Emma, Ezekiel, Lillian, Zechariah, Caleb, Joshua (Amanda) – Walter, George, Josiah (Rebekah) – Josiah; Karessia (Jeff) Christiansen – Perrin, Hadassah, Audiah, Nettie, LaRettaSue (Micah) Hodnefield, Heidi, Elizabeth, Benjamin;
Stacy (Deirdre) of Beldenville, WI – Caroline (Josh) Russell, Nathan, Tabitha, Rebekah, Anna, and many nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by both sets of parents; Dave’s sister and brother; Gwen’s sister, Linda; and grandsons: Caleb Szajner and Samuel Tschanz.
A double memorial service was held Sunday, October 3, 2021, at their farm in Blair.
Their desire was for everyone to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and abide in His Word. Dave frequently asked these questions: “Do you know the Lord? Does the Lord know you?”
