John A. "Jack" Swanson

John Alfred “Jack” Swanson, age 85, of Belding, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was born on April 25, 1940, Manistee, Michigan, son of Harold and Lucille (Ferguson) Swanson, both of whom preceded him in death. Jack graduated from Manistee High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Western Michigan University, majoring in Industrial Education with a Woodworking minor. He earned his Master’s Degree at Central Michigan University. Jack served as a teacher with the Belding Area Schools for 32 years and taught driver education for 26 years, positively impacting and forming the lives and futures of countless students. He married the love of his life, Leona “Lee” Graczyk on September 2, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, and they shared 64 years of marriage.

In addition to dedication to his profession, Jack was active in many volunteer capacities for his church and community. He served as a little league coach, Cub Scout Master, food pantry volunteer and Friends of the Library member. He was an active church member volunteering his time and talent in countless maintenance and improvement projects. Projects included installing new handrails, building special display cabinets, adding custom wood trim to the church and refinishing the wooden entrance church doors. Jack volunteered his time heading up the Belding High School Football Chain Gang, operating the down box for close to 50 years before being inducted into the Belding High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He performed in many of the Booster Variety Shows at the High School. He was an active member of the MEA and NEA. He and Lee belonged to the Belding Good Fellowship Club for many years. For relaxation, Jack enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking, stained glass, stamp collecting, and sports. He enjoyed watching sports events, both professional and local. Jack especially loved when the grandkids and great grandkids competed in basketball, swimming, football, little league, lacrosse, soccer and band events. He loved to travel with Lee visiting Italy, Sweden, England, Canada and many of the U.S. States. Jack had a deep love for, and devotion to, God. He prayed the Rosary daily and never missed Mass, whether he was at home or traveling.

In addition to his wife, Lee, Jack is survived by his children, Jeff (Kay) Swanson of Belding, Beth Bush of Novi, and John Swanson of Rockford; grandchildren Amy Jo (Ben) Scarino, Justin (Lindsay) Swanson, Ashley (Eric) Wolfe, Brian Bush, Aden Swanson, and Cole Swanson; great grandchildren Jackson, Maisie, Levi, Miles, and Westyn; his twin sister, Jean Anderson of Freesoil, brother-in-law, Chet Kaczmarek of Manistee, three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and in-laws, Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Kaczmarek, and son-in-law, Russ Bush.

Visitation for Jack will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Richard Bartoszek at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at St, Joseph Catholic Church, 403 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy are welcome to consider a memorial donation in Jack’s name to Belding Area Schools Industrial Arts or Athletic Programs, the St. Joseph Food Pantry or the IM Kids Third Meal Program. Donation envelopes may be obtained at the services or by contacting the funeral home. For additional information, please contact the funeral home by calling (616) 794-1300 or visit verdunfh.com.