Robert "Bob" Zwach

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert “Bob” Zwach, 73, of Milroy, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Milroy.

Robert Steven Zwach was born on June 1, 1952, in Tracy, MN. He was the oldest of six children born to Robert Edward and Doris Cecelia (Halfmann) Zwach. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Bob graduated from Milroy Public School and Canby Vo-Tech for Production Agriculture. He farmed with his dad from 1970 raising grain, hogs and cattle. Soon after, Bob met the love of his life, Debra Lynn Rudenick. On July 26th, 1975, the couple were married. To this union two children were born; Amanda “Mandy” Mary and Matthew Robert. Later, son-in-law Michael was added and a grandson Maxwell “Max” Robert. Bob was a stabilizing force for his family.

Bob and Deb enjoyed dancing, going for rides on their Harley or in their Duster, and going out to eat. They were known at every café and restaurant in the area, going for breakfast and also for supper most nights. With their family, they enjoyed playing Crazy 8, cracking silly jokes, four-wheeler rides, and watching Caitlin Clark play basketball. Bob’s eyes lit up every time his grandson, Max, entered the room. He enjoyed teaching Max about combining, playing pool, and golfing.

Bob loved his community and saw the value in doing business locally. He was always willing to help anyone in need and enjoyed his time holding many positions on various committees: Charger member and President of the Milroy Lion’s Club; Knights of Columbus member, President of FCAM Elevator Board; and Brandy Friday President for over 30 years; bringing over 120 members together.

Bob was cheerful, charismatic, and never late for anything in his life. He had his mom’s steadiness and his father’s silly nature. Bob kept a huge list of many birthdays and as a special treat, he would call the person of their special day and sing them the rubber ducky song. He also surprised friends and neighbors with fresh sweet corn delivered to their door.

Bob loved farming and watching the crops grow. He was proud to be on the original Zwach farm in Gales Township and proud of his Zwach Heritage. After his father retired from farming in 1990, he farmed with his brother, Tim. After being diagnosed with glioblastoma, Bob led his family through this devastating situation with wisdom, humor, and endless hugs. During his treatment, he continued to work on the farm; digging the fields and combining corn through the 2025 season. Bob was also able to enjoy his friends at golf league that last year.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Bob died on April 3, 2026, at Prairie Home Hospice Lockwood House in Marshall with his family surrounding him. We sang rubber ducky for him on this day.

He is survived by his wife, Deb, daughter Mandy (Michael) Weaklend, son Matthew, grandson Max Weaklend, brother Tim (Suzann) Zwach, sisters Lori (Pat) Dolan, Renee Zwach, Peg (Greg) Schmoll, Colleen Zwach (Jeff Seeman), brother-in-law Wayne (Jan) Rudenick, sisters-in-law Pam Maasch, Paula Lockhart, and Ann Rudenick and mother-in-law Mary Rudenick.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Doris, father-in-law Russell Rudenick, brother-in-law Dean Rudenick, and niece Jenny Rudenick.