Obit: Swienton, Richard Vernon #2 (1933 - 2005)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Swienton, Brenner, Petrulis, Knajdek, Dombrowski, Badzinski, Jacques

----Sources: Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI.) March 30, 2005

Swienton, Richard "Swede" Vernon (September 1, 1933 - March 25, 2005) #2 Flag

Richard V. "Swede" Swienton, age 71, of Thorp, died on Friday, March 25, 2005 at his home. Military graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at New St. Hedwig’s Cemetery in Thorp, and will be conducted by Thorp American Legion Pos4t #118. A dinner and social gathering will be held immediately following the graveside service at the Thorp American Legion Hall.

Richard Vernon Swienton was born on September 1, 1933 in Stanley, WI, the son of Frank and Evelyn (Brenner) Swienton. He was raised and educated in the Thorp area, graduating from Thorp High School. After high school, Richard worked at the Blue Moon Cheese Factory until the age of 21, when he enlisted in the U. S. Army. Richard served his country in Germany with the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the service, he married Sylvia Petrulis at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp. They later divorced. Over the years, Swede worked as an oil/gas distributor for Standard Oil Company, then as a general contractor, and finally on the maintenance crew for the City of Thorp until his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a member of the Thorp American Legion Post #118, St. Bernard-St. hedwig’s Catholic Church, and the Goggle Eye Trap Club.

He is survived by one son: Michael (Trisha) Swienton of Fort Leonard Wood, MO; two grandchildren: Orion and Archer; and one sister, Marcella Knajdek of St. Paul, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Geraldine Dombrowski, Lucille Badzinski, and Sylvia Jacques.

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.