Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1996
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
James Swetlik Obituary
Appleton - James Maximilian Swetlik, 23, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 11, 2020. He was born on September 22, 1996 in Appleton, WI, the loving and loved son of James and Emily (Mrotek) Swetlik. He enjoyed attending Appleton private (St. Bernadette) and Appleton Public Schools (Huntley, Franklin, Roosevelt) in childhood and graduated from Appleton North in 2015.
James loved to serve others and was a proud member of the National Guard. After high school, he attended UW-Whitewater for three semesters before obtaining a Commercial Driver's License and seeing the nation as a cross-country, big-rig truck driver. He voluntarily deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, and serving his country there was his most treasured accomplishment. He served in several units in the historic 32nd Infantry Division. Upon returning, he worked at ACE Hardware throughout the COVID pandemic. His hobbies included baseball in his youth and DECA, track, cross-country, and downhill skiing in high school. He was an exceptional writer, and he loved to read, especially American and European history. James loved traveling. He enjoyed trips with his family to the East Coast, Little Rock, and New Orleans and seeing historical sites, especially Holy Hill. He spent summer months exploring Wisconsin with his friends and family.
James is survived by his parents, James David and Emily Swetlik of Appleton, WI, as well as his sister Carol Swetlik and her fiancé Mark Opal of Cleveland, OH. They are grieving their loss but grateful for the short time they had with him.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held for the public on Thursday September 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 404 W. Lawrence St. Appleton, WI. with visitation to begin at the church at 10:00 AM. A Visitation will also be held the day before on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Valley Funeral Home 2211 N. Richmond St. Appleton, WI. Burial to take place after Mass. Flowers and gifts may be directed to Valley Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Swetlik
Sponsored by Valley Funeral Home - Appleton.
Rita Michelin
October 4, 2020
To The Swetlik Family,
My name is Rita Michelin and I worked with James at Ace Hardware. James was a wonderful, caring and compassionate young man. I enjoyed working and talking with him when we worked the same shift. He will be missed. I am praying for Peace for your Family.
Sincerely,
Rita Michelin
Mary Ann Uhlenbrauck
September 16, 2020
Dear Emily, Jim and Carol,
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to have read your very deep loss of your dear son and brother. Unfortunately, I am not able to attend. Please know James and you will be in my prayers and thoughts during this most difficult time. May you feel God’s love surrounding you! (Emily, when it is a good time for you, I’d love to see you!)
Sam and Karen Ciske
September 15, 2020
Emily, Jim and Carol. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you and your loved ones. So many thoughts and prayers for you. GOD BLESS YOU.
Dalton Chapman
September 15, 2020
Had some pretty fun times in training
LORI VANDENBLOOMER
September 15, 2020
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I’M GOING TO MISS WORKING WITH HIM AT ACE HARDWARE
Lori VandenBloomer
September 15, 2020
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS . I’M GOING TO MISS WORKING WITH HIM AT ACE HARDWARE
Dan Stanke
September 15, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carrie Heyn
September 15, 2020
Even though I don't know you, I like to extend my deepest sympathy to you. That is way to soon to be taken from this world. My prayers go out to you as you grieve. May God Bless You and Keep You.
Marcus
September 14, 2020
I first met James in a UW Whitewater political science course. Off the back you could tell he had a very bright mind, often going on tangents about American history, which he clearly loved. I also had the honor of working with him in A Co 2-127. He will be missed.
SSG (DS) Wischmann, Charles
September 14, 2020
Im sorry for your loss. He was a good soldier and he had great potential.
Sue & Randy DeBauch
September 14, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sheryl Stidham-Gebert
September 14, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about James! He was my student at North, he was a very good student, focused and serious. He was always ready to help out a fellow student, I always enjoyed having him in class.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in James Swetlik's name
Memorial Events
for James Swetlik
Sep
16
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Valley Funeral Home - Appleton2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Funeral services provided by:
Valley Funeral Home - Appleton2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Swetlik's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
