Emil Swezey

Emil Victor Swezey, son of Earl and Sarah (Johnson) Swezey, was born on June 23, 1919 in Clinton MN. He was baptized and confirmed at the Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton. He attended a rural school.

Emil served in the U.S. Army from August 1942 thru December 1945. During his time serving our country, he was stationed as a guard in a military prison in Hawaii. He was united in marriage to LuVerne Gerber, daughter of Edward and Olga Gerber, on August 22, 1943 in Odessa. Emil was a barber for many years in Clinton. He was an active participant in Toastmasters International and the American Legion. He also attended classes at the University of Minnesota in Morris and through that education became an income tax preparer which he did for many years.

Following retirement, Emil and LuVerne traveled around North America in their RV, visiting all 50 states, and took many extended trips over the winter months to warmer climates! They toured Europe twice. They were involved in the Elderhostel Program, attending 13, each in a different state and one in Sweden. They were happy meeting new friends from all parts of the world! Square dancing brought them joy and they danced in Alaska, Texas, Florida, and Nova Scotia. Emil never went for luxury – it was the fun things! His hobbies included wood carving and golf, and he was able to enjoy these pastimes until just the past few years.

Emil passed away on January 31, 2012 in Ortonville, Minnesota, having reached the age of 92 years. He will be greatly missed but we look forward to the hope of our reunion with him.

Left with his loving memory are his wife of 68 years, LuVerne; daughter, Janice (Glenn) Gauger of Plymouth, Minnesota; son, James (Ardell) of Peoria, Illinois; grandsons, Chad (Gretchen) Gauger of Chanhassen, Minnesota; Ross (Jackie) Gauger of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and granddaughter, Jennifer Swezey of Chicago, Illinois; four great granchildren; brother, Harold (Ruth) of Hector, Minnesota.

Emil was preeceded in death by his parents, Earl and Sarah Swezey; sister, Mrytle (Verb) Vandeventer; brothers, Ervin (Emma); Leonard (Ione), Edgar (Elizabeth), and Lawrence (Frances).

The family of Emil Swezey wishes to thank all of you for your love and friendship over the past years. May God Bless his memory and each of you.