Harley Swanquist Obituary

Swanquist, Harley M. Harley M. Swanquist, 95, of rural Lagro, Indiana, died at 1:53 a.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Marion General Hospital. He was born May 15, 1916 in Plano, Illinois, to Walter and Iva (Finch) Swanquist. Harley was a 1934 Plano Illinois High School graduate. He married Marguerite F. Sleezer in Oswego, Illinois, on May 23, 1942; she died February 6, 2005. He retired as the Executive Vice President of The Lumber Trade Association of Greater Chicago. Harley was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Wabash, and served on the Board of Deacons for many years. He also was a member of the Wabash Saddle Club, a life member of the American Legion, life member of the National Rifle Association, and an active member of the Wabash County Republican Party. He and his wife lived in Wabash County since 1982, coming from Oswego, Illinois where they lived and raised their family. He was a Past President of the Board of Education of the Oswego Community Schools, a longtime member of the Oswego Plan Commission, and a founding member of the Oswego Baptist Church. Harley was in the Army Air Corps during World War II, from March 1941 - February 1946, serving in the 1st Photo Reconnisance Squadron. He was a flight instructor and later a flight engineer on a B29 Bomber based in Okinawa. He was a lifelong hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He is survived by his three children, Nan (David) Roe of Marion, Indiana, Breck Swanquist of Delray Beach, Florida, and Barry (Jane) Swanquist of Northfield, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Bradley Roe, Erik (Sarah) Roe, Virginia (Phil) Kofahl, Anna (Joe) Dunham, Amanda (Chris) Smith, Quinn (Deborah) Swanquist, Brooks Swanquist, and Avery Swanquist; four great-grandchildren, Austin Roe, Aaron Roe, Canaan Dunham and Ruth Dunham. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 1399 Falls Avenue, Wabash, on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Matthew Haynes officiating. Burial will be in Lagro Cemetery, Lagro, Indiana. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash. Preferred memorial is Calvary Baptist Church. The memorial guest book for Harley may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

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Published by Beacon News on May 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Harley Swanquist

5 Entries

Gary Eagleton

May 30, 2011

Swanquist Family,
Periodically as I drive on Park street in Oswego and see the Swanquist house I think, "Where is Harley and Marguerite?" Now I know! This earth is is even worse off with them gone. Our loss is Heaven's gain. I try to imagine at times like this what Heaven will be like. I hope "we" will be able to recognize each other there. Would love to hear from Breck and Barry. (P.O. Box 398) I remember seeing Nan once and noting her calm beauty. Because of the recent 308 school board, I've told several people, "I wish Swanquist and Dauwalder were still able to be on the board!" May my Father give you his peace and comfort at this time in your lives. All HIS promises are true and guaranteed, so keep Him in your heart.
Gary Eagleton

Avery Gibson all grown up since he was only 2 the last time he was blessed to be held by you <3

May 28, 2011

Harley~although we haven't been able to visit in many years I want you to know how much we loved, respected and admired you. You were a man of honor and strong Christian convictions. I am saddened that Avery never got to know what a wonderful grandfather he had, but Morgan, Brooks, Quinn and I will always share our wonderful memories we hold in our hearts, and while I am at it you should know you also have a great grandson Eli Porter Gibson who preceded you in to join his heavenly father, so do me a favor and give him a huge hug from his mimi. You will be missed more than I can put into words.

Chrystina, Morgan and Avery Gibson

May 28, 2011

I am saddened to learn of the loss of a wonderful, godly man. I will cherish the memories I have of him. I thought of him on his birthday this year, just a few weeks ago. Mr. and Mrs. Swanquist will always remain dear to my heart. My prayers are with his family.
Nancy ( Head) Lodwick

May 25, 2011

Our prayers to you all. So many memories of the years living behind each other in Oswego. I remember when Harley caught frogs and was 'preparing' them, your gardens, pets, playing with the boys, a lot of years talking over the fence. Blessings and comfort to you all. Lynn Schillinger Bastian

Plano's PAST

May 24, 2011

Plano's PAST historical group sends sympathy to the family in the loss of this former Planoite who contributed a great deal to the world.

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