Cleo Ann (Sorenson) Schwartz

Cleo Schwartz, 94, of Bagley, MN formerly of Bemidji, died Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Cornerstone Residence, Bagley.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home,

Bemidji. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Bemidji.

Cleo Ann Schwartz was born on January 4, 1932, in Gonvick, MN, to Clifford and Stella (Asleson) Sorenson. She was baptized & confirmed at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick. She attended Windsor Country School in Gonvick and Warren High School. She moved to Bemidji after high school and was a waitress at Sand's Cafe, and 3rd St. Cafe.

She was married to Donald (Buck) Mayer and together they had five sons:  Scott, Greg, Terry, Joe and Jeff. They later divorced. She then married Eugene (Gene) Schwartz and together they had two daughters, Debbie & LaVonne. Together they owned and operated four bars: The Flame in Bemidji, Gene's Place in Bemidji, Papa Gene's in Wilton and CG's in Halstad, MN. In her retirement years she enjoyed being a foster grandparent at J.W. Smith school and was also a senior companion for several ladies. She often made the comment "I've had such a good life". Her children and grandchildren were her biggest joys in life, followed by all the friends she had over the years. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, watching the Twins and Vikings and visiting with her friends.

She is survived by her children, Greg (Tammy) Mayer, Joel (Lynne) Mayer, Jeff Mayer, Debbie (Jim) Little, LaVonne (Russ) Gilbertson and daughter-in-law Theresa Mayer, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces: Cheryl Nelson & Kathy Hadrava and nephew, Wayne (Patsy) Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford & Stella Sorenson, husband, Gene Schwartz, sons, Scott Mayer & Terry Mayer, granddaughter, Tammy Jungwirth and great-granddaughter Kylee Conkle-Mayer and sisters, Evangeline Sorenson, LaVonne Nelson, Geraldine Passeri.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Cornerstone Assisted Living.

Mom loved living there and loved all of the staff as they were extremely good to her.

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