Walter Swiger

Walter Swiger set sail on his final voyage on Aug. 26, 2017. He started his extensive working history as a porter and deckhand on the Ludington Car-ferries. He would later meet, fall in love with and marry his teenage sweetheart, Carolyn Jane Roach in 1955. Walter would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. After his discharge from the service he started his long and distinguished career at The Dow Chemical Co., and went on to receive two degrees all while helping to raise his family and working full time.

After 30 years as a supervisor, company representative, and receiving numerous awards and accommodations, Walt retired. However, his restless spirit, ambition and loving wife all helped him fulfill his lifetime dream of becoming a captain. He would eventually move to Panama City, Fla. and achieve a 1-ton captain's license. After which, Walter relocated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and became the captain of the Sault Lock Boat Tours, and eventually became the captain of the DeTour Village Pilot Boat, the Linda Jean, a vessel tasked with the respectable duty of safely and efficiently ferrying the River Pilots to and from the Salt Water vessels as they navigated the Saint Marys river. But ultimately home is where the heart is and both Walter and Carolyn returned to the place where they had begun their wonderful life together, Ludington.

Walter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Jane (Roach); and four children, Walter E. (Liz) of Washington; Kate (Sue) of Oregon; Mike and Gregory at home helping their mother and father at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Linda Jackson. He would go on to help raise her remaining two children, Natalie and Freddie after her unfortunate passing. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Lana) and David (Alma); and two sisters, Sandra (Thom) Huthenson and Judith Hillard. Walt also has four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; with one grandchild preceding him in death, Michelle.

Cremation has already taken place and family memorial services will be announced at a later date. Please send donations to Hospice in lieu of flowers. Please and thank you. There are no services planned at this time.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.