In Memory
John W. "Jack" Swantz
July 20, 1922 ~ March 11, 2022 (age 99)
John W. “Jack” Swantz, residing in South Bend, passed away at 5:10 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 at the age of 99 years old.
He was born on July 20, 1922 in South Bend, the son of Albert F. & Frances D. (Grabel) Swantz. Jack was a Basketball star for James Whitcomb Riley High School, where in 1940, they won the Sectional and Reginal Championships. He then attended and graduated from Purdue University where he was on the Boilermakers basketball team. It was Athletics at Riley and Purdue that gave Jack the communication skills and self-assurance for a future career in technical sales.
On April 15, 1944 in South Bend, Jack was united in marriage to Mary L. Heiermann who was the love of his life for 65 years until her passing on October 13, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert F. and Barbara Ann Swantz.
He retired as a Sales Engineer from Leatherman & Company. Following retirement, he worked for several years as a Funeral Assistant for Palmer Funeral Homes. He was a faithful member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, and the Volunteer Auxiliary at Memorial Hospital. In June 1950, Jack became a member of Dubois Lodge 520, F. & AM, in Huntingburg, IN. He later transferred to St. Joseph Lodge 45, F. & AM., in South Bend. He was also a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, and the Orak Shrine in Michigan City, as well as the Purdue University Presidents Council.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Margaret L. Craig of Oregon, IL; his son James Robert Swantz of South Bend; two granddaughters, Kimberly Lynn (Mark) Myers of Earlville, IL; Michelle Craig of Chicago. IL; as well as two great-granddaughters, Ashley Ann Myers, and Amanda Myers. He is also survived by two nieces, Sandy Villwock and Susan Tschida, both of South Bend.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 So. Michigan St., South Bend, with Rev. Scott Bowie of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ officiating. The family will receive friends from Noon until services time at the funeral home on Tuesday. He will be laid to rest with his beloved Mary at Southlawn Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Jack Swantz may be offered to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 915 North Ironwood, South Bend, IN 46615. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
Services
Visitation
Tuesday
March 22, 2022
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel
3718 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46614
Funeral Service
Tuesday
March 22, 2022
2:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel
3718 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46614
Donations
St. Peter's United Church of Christ
915 N. Ironwood Driive, South Bend IN 46615
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