Brian Christopher Swiss

1969 - 2025

Brian Christopher Swiss

June 19, 1969 - June 12, 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of Brian Christopher Swiss, 56, of Hutschenhausen, Germany, announces his passing on June 12, 2025.

Born on June 19, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, to Richard Swiss and Lana (Marchisotta) Shay, Brian lived a life dedicated to service, family, and a passion for life's simple joys. He graduated from Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf, Iowa) and furthered his education at St. Ambrose University (Davenport, Iowa), earning his Bachelor's degree, and Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York) through the Army Comptrollership Program, achieving a Master of Business Accounting.

Brian married Katherine (Kate) Kelsey-Swiss (Kelsey), on August 8, 1998, at St. John Vianney in Bettendorf, Iowa. Together, they built a loving family and raised two children, Lillianna (18) and Andrew (17), of whom he was immensely proud.

For over 33 years, Brian dedicated himself to the United States Department of Army as a civilian employee. Beginning his career as an Auditor at the Army Audit Agency, he moved to the Pentagon in 2001, and subsequently to the Installation Management Agency (later Installation Management Command), where he held positions of increasing responsibility. He served with distinction at Fort Sam Houston, Rock Island Arsenal, and as the rst head of the Host Nation Field Liaison Office in Sembach, Germany. Returning to Rock Island Arsenal, he became the Deputy G-1 for Army Sustainment Command before ultimately serving as the Chief of Staff for the United States Army Medical Materiel Center Europe. In this role, spanning over seven years, he expertly oversaw the center's relocation from Pirmasens to Kaiserslautern, Germany, and played a critical role in the storage and distribution of vital medical supplies, medications, and vaccines notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, a measles outbreak during the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan, and the response to the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. He was a respected leader, and as colleagues often said, truly "the best."

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian was known for his quick wit, often delivered with a dry humor, and his enthusiastic love of music and concerts, particularly heavy metal. Above all, he cherished his family and found joy in spending time with those he loved.

Brian is survived by his wife, Kate; his children, Lilli and Drew; his parents, Lana Shay and Richard Swiss (Sandy); his sisters, Lisa Swiss (Ryan Rosprim) and Kim Swiss (Lee Grannon); his step-siblings, Allen Shay and Stacey Weller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chester and Josephine Swiecicki, Samuel and Emily Marchisotta, and his stepfather, Mark Shay.

Brian's dedication, humor, and unwavering commitment to his family and country will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Brian's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday July 1, 2025 at The Golden Leaf Banquet Center in Davenport, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent in Brian's name to your favorite charity.