John Swiers

John Selvig Swiers died April 5, 2012 peacefully at home surrounded by family. The following are brief facts; to capture the essence of his nature and what he was to the people whose live’s he touched would take a book Born July 17 1928 to John H and Phyllis (DeMaster) Swiers in Bejou, MN Baptized in the Christian faith 1930 at the Union Church in Bejou, MN Attended Bejou Public School thru 8th grade and graduated from Mahnomen high School 1947. Married Elaine Mary Garland Nov 7, 1953 at St. Michael’s Church, Mahnomen MN Served in the United States Army, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division and was honorable discharged Dec of 1955. John grew up on a farm and as an adult owned & operated a Dairy & Small Grain Farm. In 1997 he went to work for Brookside, Inc, a cow dairy in Clitherall, MN until 2000. He then worked for Brushwackers Tree Service, Mahnomen & the Shopper, Halstad, MN. John obtained his CDL in 2002 and drove semi until his retirement in 2008 at the age of 80. John was a lifelong member of the UCC Church of Bejou, Mahnomen & Waubun, serving on many boards and committees and was instrumental in the growth and mergers over his lifetime. John was a member of the Farm Bureau & Republican Committee & Bejou School PTA serving as president in these organizations. He served as Treasury of the Senior Citzens homes in Bejou and was also on the Bejou Co-op Store board. John was the first recipient of the King Agassiz Award in 1961. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Elaine, Children: John E (Pat) Swiers, Callaway, MN; Patricia (Peter) Stock, Mahnomen, MN; Anita (Jim) Olson, Maple Bay, MN; Bruce Swiers, Bejou, MN; Stewart (Tami) Swiers, Grand Forks, ND; Jennifer (Harold) Kokesch, Brooks, MN; Greg Swiers, Bejou, MN; Joe (Gerri) Swiers, Bejou, MN. 32 Grand Children & 22 Great Grandchildren at last count. Sister Elaine (Lester) Emmons, Portland OR; Brother Larry Swiers, Waubun, MN; Brother in laws Rosie Rosentreter, WA State, Ken Garland, Pheonix, AZ; Jerry (Bonnie) Garland, Ham Lake, MN and sisters-in – laws Iris (Russ) Hovelson, Canon Lake, TX; Elerine Garland, Becker, MN: Foster siblings Phyllis Bunker, Naytahwaush, MN, Bobbie Mitchell, Lake Park, MN, Dolly Johnson, Ada, MN and numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents & parent in-laws, Sisters/Brothers-in-law Eleanor & Arling Olson, Phyllis & Wayne Nelson, Sister Betty Ann Rosentreter, Brother-in-Laws, Donny and Edward Garland and numerous foster siblings As per his wishes, his body will be donated to UND for research before cremation. In lieu of flowers and memorials donation to a cause near and dear to his heart, Riding on Angels Wings Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Felton, MN would be appreciated. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Circles of Faith United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN. The officiant was Pastor Kristy May. The pianist was Carol Christensen and Russell Kent played the bass. Special music was provided by Jake and Nicole Swiers, Les Hochstetler and Ben Burroughs. The pallbearers were Patrick Wyse, Kelley Bunker, Adam Garland, Philip Holland, Earl Pederson and Dave McNamee. Visitation was held on Monday, April 9, 2012 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 pm, at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.

John Swiers

July 17, 1928 - April 5, 2012