Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1931
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
James Swift Obituary
James Richard 'Dick' Swift
Hawarden, Iowa
James Richard "Dick" Swift, 91, of Hawarden, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hawarden with Father Roger Linnan officiating. Burial, with military rites, will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today followed by a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.
James Richard "Dick" Swift was born Nov. 20, 1931, in Hawarden to Irving and Frances (Lily) Swift. After graduating from Hawarden High School in 1950, he entered the US Navy, where he served as a gunner aboard the USS Orleck from 1950 to 1954. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Hawarden, where he met his future wife, Clarabelle Suedbeck. They were united in marriage on Oct. 6, 1956.
Dick worked as a butcher for many years, eventually buying Hawarden Meats from Dean Martinson, where he continued to work, retiring in 1996.
Dick hated Iowa winters but loved the summers. You could usually find him on the golf course, and afterwards at a card table. He also enjoyed a little fishing. Poker nights were a weekly thing, with lucky Dick toting his big jar of quarters around, bragging to anyone who would listen.
Dick enjoyed watching his kids' sporting events in his younger days and watching West Sioux Falcon sports on TV in his older days.
He is survived by seven children, Phil (Karen) Swift of Ankeny, Iowa, Matt Swift of North Liberty, Iowa, Mark (Lisa) Swift of Brentwood, Calif., Judy (Dave) Van Bruggen of Hawarden, Brian (Anne) Swift of Sioux Center, Iowa, Carrie (Kevin) Lewis of Dublin, Calif., and Tony (Audra) Swift of Virginia Beach, Va.; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and of course, loyal companion, Ruby.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Belle; infant son, James, Jr.; sister, Patty Keiser and her husband Butch; daughter-in-law, LeAnn Swift; and his parents.
The family prefers memorials be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
In Dad's own famous words, "I'm out of gas."
Until we meet again, Dad, rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Swift
Sponsored by Porter Funeral Home - Hawarden.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in James Swift's name
Memorial Events
for James Swift
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 Swift'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
