Darcy J Schwind

Darcy J. Schwind, 60, Mandan, passed away peacefully at her home in Mandan on Saturday, 8 March 2025.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Mandan with Rev. Phil Leer presiding. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Darcy was born in Valley City, ND, on 2 February 1965, to Marvin and Janice (Dronen) Olson. She was raised and attended school in Oriska, ND. She later obtained her GED and attended college. On 1 March 1982, at age 17, Darcy enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard and was trained as a personnel administration specialist. In 1990, while serving at the Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton, Darcy crossed paths with fellow soldier, Harley Schwind from LaMoure, ND. He was the love of her life and they were married in Devils Lake in 1993. They made their home there until 2001, when they moved to Mandan. The couple spent 31 years together.

In 1993, after serving with Company D 141st Engineer Battalion, Darcy and Harley transferred to the ND Military Academy and Engineer School at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake where they served as instructors. With numerous duties and assignments throughout the years, in 2014, Darcy and Harley’s work would overlap overseas just one time in Ghana. Prior to her retirement in 2018, Darcy achieved the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major (E9). While serving 36 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Darcy J. Schwind earned numerous commendations and awards, including the meritorious service medal and humanitarian service medal. Darcy earned the respect and lifelong friendship of many of the Soldiers she served with.

Darcy loved planting flowers each year. She loved the serenity of the outdoors. She was an excellent baker, especially known for her scotcheroos. She had a knack for interior design, always wanting to try new things with the decor in their house. Upon their retirement, she and Harley loved spending time with their grandchildren and traveling more. Darcy was looking forward to a family vacation this summer.

After her husband’s passing on 17 September 2024, Darcy sought counseling and maintained a healthy support system. Although she was taking the necessary steps to getting back on track, nothing could spare her from the heartbreak and emptiness of losing her soulmate.

Darcy is survived by her children, Corrina (Curtis) Birks, Devin (Samy) Stugelmeyer, and Tristin Schwind (fiancé, Ryan Thompson); three grandchildren, Peyton, Lillian, and Amelia; sisters, Nikki Larson, Angie Sinkula, and Tammy Gus; brothers, John (Laurie) Gavitt Jr. and Tom (Mary) Gavitt; along with six nieces and three great nieces and one nephew; as well as her late husband’s parents and brothers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley; son, Harley James Schwind III; a brother; and her parents.