John “Jack” Swartzer, age 77 of Delano, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis from complications due to cancer.
Jack was born at home in Woodland Township May 28, 1927 to George and Susan (Gallus) Swartzer, the second oldest of 17 children.
After graduating from high school in Delano, Jack enlisted in the Navy May 14, 1945, and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II.
After his discharge from the Navy July 26, 1946, Jack worked at various jobs, until he joined the Wright County Highway Department in 1948. He was employed by Wright County for 39 years, until his retirement in 1987.
After retirement, Jack continued to work as a truck driver. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the City of Montrose.
Jack married Marguerite (Sturman) Motzko June 19, 1978, and became stepfather to Paul and Sue Motzko. The family enjoyed vacationing and camping around the United States.
Jack owned many campers, mini-homes, RVs, and fifth-wheel trailers. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially took pleasure in hunting deer, turkey, moose, and bear. He never missed a deer hunting season until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2003.
Jack enjoyed trapshooting and received many trophies for his excellent marksmanship.
Jack also spent many hours fishing, both ice fishing and boating, on the many lakes of Minnesota.
After retirement, Jack and Marguerite spent a lot of time traveling, spending winters in many locations, such as California and Texas, where they had many friends. Their trips also included Canada, the Grand Canyon, New York, Alaska, and Nova Scotia.
Jack was an active member of the St. Mary Czestochowa Church in Delano, the Waverly Gun Club, and a life member of Montrose VFW Post 1901.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Marguerite; stepchildren: Paul Motzko and fiancée Kathy Fenske, and Sue Motzko; two grandchildren, Karisa and Quentin Motzko; brothers: Walter (Irene) Swartzer, Joseph (Dorothy) Swartzer, Robert (Mary Lynn) Swartzer, Marvin (Laurie) Swartzer, Eugene (Mary Helen) Swartzer, Anthony (Sandy) Swartzer, Ervin (Renee) Swartzer, and Peter (Alice) Swartzer, sisters: Lorraine (Emmett) Lynch, Elizabeth (Louis) Bury, Laverne (Leo) Blacketter, Marion Kuka, and Susan (Ed) Windsperger; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Susan Swartzer; brothers George and Donald; sister Gladys; and brother-in-law Tom Kuka.
Mass of Christian Burial took place Monday, Jan. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church in Delano. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Visitation took place Sunday, Jan. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Iten Funeral Home in Delano, and continued from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. A rosary took place Sunday at 4 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m.
The Iten Funeral Home in Delano handled the arrangements.
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