Obituary for Earl Dean Swartzwelter

Dean was a member of the Russell High School Class of 1953

September 22, 1934 September 06, 2014 

On September 6, 2014, Earl "Dean" Swartzwelter passed away after a valiant 12 year struggle with cancer. Dean died just shy of his September 22nd birthday of which he would have been 80 years old. Dean's incredible life journey began with his birth in Chariton, Iowa in 1934. He was born to Eva Louise (Post) and was supported in his upbringing by Eva's loving family - Harley & Berta Post. He attended Russell High School where he played basketball in high school and sang in the Russell Quartet. He served in the U.S. Army from April 1954 to February 1957. Dean attended and graduated from the U.S. Army School of Finance. After leaving the Army, Dean attended Drake University in Des Moines Iowa on the GI Bill. In the midst of his university experiences he joined Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Dean met and married Nancy Jo Namanny on September 10, 1960. They would have been married 54 years this September 10th. He graduated Drake with a B.S. Degree in 1961. Daughter Deborah Ann (Dean) was born May 17, 1961. Dean spirited away his young family to Michigan when he accepted a job at The Ford Motor Company. Dean's life blossomed with the birth of Dawn Lynn (Danlovich) in 1964 and finally Scott Russell in 1971. Dean's passion for giving of himself and time was expressed in many civic ways: The Church, Youth Education via The Presidency of The Plymouth - Canton School Board, Drake Alumni Board to mention but a few. Ford Motor Company sent the entire family to London, England in 1973. Dean retired from The Ford Motor Company in January 1995 after 34 years. He and Nancy spent many great years back and forth between Whispering Pines, Pinckney Michigan and Eagle Creek, Naples Florida. When in Naples, Dean was active on the Condo Association Board, and he and Nancy enjoyed golf, bocce ball, cards and the Wesley United Methodist Church. Dean is survived by his wife Nancy and his children Deborah (Jeffrey) Dean, Dawn (Dan) Danlovich, Scott (Stacey) Swartzwelter and four grandchildren: Alyssa and Tyler Dean and C.J. and John Swartzwelter.