John M. Zwach

John Matthew Zwach Sr. (February 8, 1907 – November 11, 1990) was an American farmer, rural school teacher, and politician. Zwach was most notably a U.S. Representative from Minnesota, serving four terms from 1967 to 1975. He also served for several terms in the Minnesota legislature.

John M. Zwach Sr.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 6th district
In office January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1975
Preceded by	Alec G. Olson
Succeeded by	Richard Nolan
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader
In office January 6, 1959 – January 2, 1967
Preceded by	Archie H. Miller
Succeeded by	Stanley W. Holmquist
Member of the Minnesota State Senate
In office January 7, 1947 – January 2, 1967
Succeeded by	Carl Jensen
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
In office January 8, 1935 – January 6, 1947
Personal details
Born	February 8, 1907 Gales Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	November 11, 1990(1990-11-11) (aged 83) Lucan, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Agnes
Children	5, including Barbara
Alma mater	University of Minnesota Minnesota State University, Mankato
Occupation	School Principal Teacher

Biography

Zwach was born in Gales Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, the son of Austrian immigrants. He attended the public schools and graduated from Milroy High School in 1926. He then received a teaching certificate from Mankato State College (now Minnesota State University, Mankato) in 1927 and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1933. He worked as a school teacher and superintendent for fourteen years and was also an active farmer.

State legislature

Zwach served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1934 to 1946. He was a member of the Minnesota Senate from 1946 to 1966 and was the majority leader from 1959 to 1966, leading the Conservative Caucus in the nonpartisan body. He was also a member of the Interim Agriculture Commission, 1955–1957.

Congress

He was elected as a Republican to the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd congresses, (January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1975). He was not a candidate for reelection in 1974.

Retirement and death

He was a resident of Lucan, Minnesota until his death on November 11, 1990. He was buried at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Family

His daughter, Barb Sykora, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995 to 2007.

References

• Minnesota Legislators Past and Present

• United States Congress. "John M. Zwach (id: Z000016)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.