Chad Schwanke

Chad Alexander Schwanke, age 42, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on December 1, 1982, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Chad brought warmth, kindness, and light into the world from the very beginning.

Chad was a deeply compassionate and loving soul, someone who dedicated his life to caring for others both personally and professionally. As a nurse, he gave his patients not just expert care but true comfort. His heart for service extended far beyond the hospital walls.

A third-degree black belt in taekwondo, Chad was a lifelong martial artist whose discipline and dedication took him across the world to study in China and Korea. His passion for teaching led him to create the first taekwondo class in Fargo, ND, specifically designed for children with special needs—an act that reflected his boundless empathy and belief in every person’s potential.

Chad had a deep love for nature and animals. Whether he was outside working on a project or just soaking in the beauty of the outdoors, it wasn’t unusual to see a furry or feathered friend close by—he had a quiet way of connecting with all living things. His creativity, curiosity, and gentle spirit made him someone you simply felt lucky to know.

Chad was preceded in death by his father, David Schwanke. He leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry his memory in their hearts always: his mother, Beth Schwanke (Mario Pellerin) his sister Nicole Nordhougen (Daniel , and their daughters Alaina and Neeva), his sister Melinda Gendotti (her children Isabela (Seth Heath, and their children Sybil and Milo), Nadia, David, Johnathan, Christian, and Michael), his brother Gabriel Schwanke (Tori Pierce, and their sons William and James), his brother Dawson Schwanke; and his beloved grandmother, Janet “Tiny” Colton, as well as a large extended Family. He is also remembered with love by his friend and former husband, Frank Adamczyk.

The family is holding a prayer service followed by a gathering and refreshments, which will be held in celebration of Chad’s life on Saturday, April 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Chapel at Riverview Senior Living, located at 5300 12th St S, Fargo, ND 58104. All who knew and loved Chad are welcome to attend.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to his family at 3109 41st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”