John Dean Schwien

John Dean Schwien, 74, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Hays Medical Center with his family by his side.

John was born July 3, 1951 in Russell. He was one of three children born to Waldean W. and Helen W. (Karst) Schwien. He grew up in rural Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1969. He then attended Salina Vo-Tech where he obtained an Associates Degree in Auto Mechanics.

John was united in marriage to Bonnie Vonfeldt on September 1, 1974 in Russell. This union was blessed with two children; Toby and Amber. They made their home in the Russell area.

John was a devoted Farmer and Rancher his whole life. Taking care of his farm and livestock was extremely important to him. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church. He served on the United Ag Service Board and the Rural Water District #4. When he was younger, he was a member of the Dutch Masters Polka Band and the Polka Kings. In his spare time, he loved taking care of his family, watching his son and grandsons do dirt track racing and watching The Office on tv.

John’s surviving family include his wife of 51 years, Bonnie of the home; son, Toby Schwien (Samantha) of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Amber Farris (Gary) of Goodland, Kansas; brother, Jim Schwien of Russell, Kansas; sister, Ginger Tittel (Ronnie) of Russell, Kansas; and two grandsons, Jakob Schwien (Kayle) and Connor Schwien.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.