Paul E. Schwebach
Paul Edward Schwebach “Schwey”, 80, of River Falls, WI, passed away July 6, 2026, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. Professionally, Paul was a respected banker and lifelong champion of economic development in western Wisconsin.
Born in River Falls, Paul graduated from Independence High School, and from Chippewa Valley Technical College. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Finance overseas during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he embarked on a distinguished 40-year banking career. Paul held leadership roles at First Wisconsin Bank, where he met his beloved wife, Ann, as well as Union National Bank, First National Bank of River Falls, S&C Bank, and Royal Credit Union. Colleagues knew him as a dedicated professional whose business knowledge, integrity and commitment to customers earned widespread respect.
Paul strongly believed in giving back to his community. He served on the boards of the St. Croix County EDC, the River Falls EDC, and was one of the founders of both the River Falls EDC and Pierce County EDC. In addition, he was Chair of the Board of Directors with Kinnic Falls Inc. and remained active on the CVTC River Falls Campus Advisory Board. Even after retiring, he accepted the role of Executive Director of the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation, where he remained a tireless advocate for local businesses and economic growth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul will be remembered for his strong work ethic, playful grin and a lifelong passion for classic cars and trucks — most notably his restored 1955 Ford F100. He often shared his personal story as proof that determination and character matter more than titles or credentials. His ongoing advice to everyone was simple yet enduring: ‘Stay positive, keep smiling and enjoy life.’
Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ann; his children: Josh & Brenda (Schwebach) Bendel, Stacey Schwebach, and Greg Schwebach; his cherished grandchildren: Grace, Lucas, and Chase; and his brothers: Jim, Dan, and Jody. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Rhinella; and his brother, Kenny.
A visitation will be held Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a memory sharing service at 3:30 p.m., at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E. Division St., River Falls, WI. A reception celebrating Paul’s life will follow from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Mel’s. Private interment will be at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.
The family wishes to thank all who shared in Paul’s remarkable life and legacy.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
