Robert W. Swantz, 97, died peacefully on Oct. 31, 2013, at Oak Ridge Care Center, Union Grove. He was born on March 7, 1916, in Union Grove, to the late Edward H. and Lois Smith Swantz.
He spent his entire life in the Village of Union Grove. He attended Union Grove and Three Lakes, Wis., schools, graduating from Union Grove High School, in 1934.
He served his beloved village in many capacities including 45 years as member of the Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Department, serving as assistant chief until retirement. He and his brother Hank were honorary co-marshals of the department’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1995. Always active in the community, Bob served on many boards and committees including Union Grove Graded and High schools, and Union Grove Chamber of Commerce.
As partners in E.H. Swantz and Sons, Bob and Hank represented the fourth generation of their family in the hardware business. Bob eventually branched out on his own, forming Bob Swantz Gas Company. He worked closely with his father auctioneering and clerking for the Wisconsin Sales Corporation. He loved holding a farm or household auction, laughing and joking with the crowd. He often volunteered his auction services at church fundraisers or for the young people’s animal auction at the Racine County Fair. Throughout his life he continued in many new businesses and sales ventures including selling cars, real estate, shoes and even fertilizer for the Grove Compost Co. Salesmanship was his forte and he loved it.
He married Lois R. Christensen on Oct. 7, 1939, at Union Grove Congregational UCC. They were happily married for 68 years. She preceded him in death on Aug. 25, 2007.
Survivors include his children, William (Sandra) Swantz, Gerald (Edna) Swantz, Barbara (John) Samz, Marjorie (William) Martin; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Elaine Hansen, Darcy (Tom) Dinauer; brother-in-law, Leroy Christensen; many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
He was further preceded in death by his son, James Leroy; one grandson; one great-granddaughter; brother, Hank; sisters-in-law, Virgene Swantz and Thelma Christensen; and brother-in-law, Norman Hansen.
A memorial service was Nov. 4, at Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home, Union Grove, with the Rev. Amanda Stack officiating. Burial was in Union Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Department.
Well-wishers can visit
www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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