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Richard Swan 05/22/2023

Richard “Rick” Eugene Swan, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on Monday, May 22, 2023. He was born February 2, 1945 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to William (Art) and Vivian (Frisbie) Swan, graduating from the first class of North High School in 1963. He attended the Universities of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and Stout, and earned a degree in Civil-Structural Engineering from Chippewa Valley Technical College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969, and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, despite sustaining medical problems in later years from exposure to Agent Orange.

In 1968, he married Doris Juliar of Ruthton, Minnesota. They raised two children, Timothy and Rebecca before divorcing. In 1988, Rick married Joyce Starkey of Ellsworth, Wisconsin and expanded his family to include Joyce’s daughters Jodi and Taryl.

He worked several years for Top Home Center and Arrow Building Center in Red Wing, Minnesota, retiring in October 2005 after a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis. Rick and Joyce traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to traveling, Rick spent his time reading, rose gardening, and attending his grandchildren’s various music and sporting events. Rick was a serious student of history and an avid genealogist.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #204 and the VFW Post #9060, both of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; a past master of Hancock Lodge #229, Ellsworth; a 32nd degree Mason of Scottish Rite, Valley of Eau Claire; Zor Shriners, St. Croix Valley Shrine Club; and Order of the Eastern Star #116, Ellsworth.

Rick is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Timothy of Hutchinson, MN, Jodi (Zach) Chumas of Eau Claire, WI, Rebecca (Josh) Nance of Granby, CO, and Taryl (Trevor) Graetz of River Falls, WI; nine grandchildren, Sam, Harry, Theo, Gus and Athena Chumas, Jack and Josie Nance, Maya and Hank Graetz; brother, Jim (Patti Cornelier) of Eau Claire; brother-in-law, Dale Carpenter of Shorewood, MN; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Carpenter, and Margery (Ronald) Haas.

Memorials are preferred to Shriner’s Children’s Twin Cities, or Adoray Home Health and Hospice.

A visitation was held Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 11:00AM-1:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division Street) in River Falls. A Masonic service began at 1:00PM with the funeral service following. Private family interment was in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of the Masonic and Funeral Service for Rick.

15 Comments

  • Mike and Mary Metcalf Posted May 23, 2023 6:32 pm

    Rick was a good man we thought alot of him..He will be sadly missed!!

  • Pam Frisbie Posted May 23, 2023 6:50 pm

    He will be greatly missed by his cuz in Washington.

  • Mary Finkelson Posted May 23, 2023 8:14 pm

    So sorry for your loss! He was a great fellow!

  • Mary Halliwell Posted May 23, 2023 8:27 pm

    We are so sorry there are no words to tell you we are going to miss him so very very much he was such a very special person

  • Pastor Herbert. SPUCC Posted May 24, 2023 6:36 am

    We at SPUCC offer our condolence and prayers for the Joyce and family. You all remain in our prayers. The congregation is thankful for having Rick as a friend. He shall be missed!

  • Jim & Elaine Hines Posted May 24, 2023 10:25 am

    Our thoughts & prayers are with your entire family at this difficult time. We enjoyed visiting with Rick always.

  • Erick and Angela Organ Posted May 24, 2023 11:41 am

    Uncle Rick will most certainly be missed. Joyce and family… we are thinking of all of you and sending much love your way.

  • Cheryl A Odle Posted May 24, 2023 7:29 pm

    I am so sorry to hear this. I just saw Rick at the hospital a week ago. We talked until it was time for his appointment. I enjoyed working with Rick at Cenex many years ago. thoughts and Prayers to you Joyce and family.

  • Jany Chumas Posted May 25, 2023 8:08 am

    We could all learn from Rick.
    He never stopped seeking knowledge and I’m sure espoused to the philosophy, “We’re never too to learn.”
    And Rick was a traveler.

  • judith lindstrom Posted May 25, 2023 9:32 am

    Dear Joyce and Family, very sorry to hear about Rick.
    Sending thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Judy Lindstrom

  • Don Foley Posted May 26, 2023 1:33 pm

    Our Sympathy and Prayers for Joyce and Family may Rick RIP
    Our love To a wonderful Neighbor ❤️Don and Phyllis Foley

  • Connie Soiberg Posted May 27, 2023 2:39 pm

    Rick and I had a very special childhood. I have many memories of being together. One time we were at his Grandpa’s farm, east of Rock Falls, and he convinced me to lick the salt lick for the cows. I spent a lot of time at their home out in Seymour. I especially liked to hear his Mom play, “Beyond the Sunset”. He also told me that his Mom wanted to lock the piano when I was coming. I remember him coming back from Vietnam, and he stayed with us in Tacoma, WA, where we lived at that time. He looked so sharp in his dress blues for the Air Force. We did not get to see one another much in our adult years because we lived in WA State, and he was still in Wis. I always made a point to see him when I was coming back for my class reunions, though. They were special times of reminiscing. I will miss our telephone chats. He knew so much about our family history; many things I did not know. I know he is with Jesus, and not suffering anymore. Praise God!

  • Marilyn Bjork Posted May 27, 2023 7:24 pm

    Joyce and family – So sorry for your loss sending my prayers and thoughts.

  • Karla Bristlin ((Dodge) Posted May 28, 2023 7:13 am

    The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). you’re always in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Catherine Fields Posted April 29, 2024 8:14 pm

    I just saw the Find A Grave entry for Rick. He and I exchanged the history and genealogical information about the Swan family for years. I didn’t know he passed away…and a year ago. He was a kind and generous man – an excellent researcher who will be missed.

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