State Web Site

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  World War II

TED SCHWINDEN was born in Wolf Point, Montana. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army until 1946. He received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Montana. In 1958, he was elected to the Montana House of Representatives. He was named to the Legislative Council in 1959 and served as House minority whip during the 1961 session. In 1965, he was elected president of Montana Grain Growers Association. In 1969, he was named commissioner of state lands, reappointed in 1973, and served until April 1976 when he resigned to become a candidate for lieutenant governor. He served as lieutenant governor from 1977 to 1981. In 1981 he became governor of Montana.

Sources:

Ted Schwinden Papers, 1968-2001. Montana Historical Society.