Gerald LeRoy SWYTER

SWYTER, BLANK, ABBAS, PETERSON, EEKHOFF

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/14/2008 at 10:53:16

May 26,2005
Kanawha Reporter, Kanawha, IA

Services for Gerald LeRoy Swyter Held at Kanawha Christian Reformed

Funeral services for Gerald LeRoy Swyter, 92, were held on Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church at Kanawha with Pastor Steve Shulz conducting the service. Special music was provided by Marilyn DeKruyff, organist. The hymns were What A Friend We Have In Jesus, When Peace Like A River and Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine. The casket bearers were Paul Eekhoff, Dudley Johnson, John Eekhoff, Bill Schroeder, Wayne Rietema and Larry Cooper. The ushers were Richard Abbas and Don Eekhoff. Interment was at the Amsterdam Township Cemetery. The services were under the direction of Ewing Dugger Funeral Home.

Gerald Swyter of Kanawha died on Monday, May 16, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City. Gerald, the son of Menno and Lubena Blank Swyter, was born May 3, 1913 in rural Kanawha. Gerald attended school in the Britt area. On June 4, 1935, Gerald was married to Faye Abbas in Kanawha. They had three sons. The couple made their home and farmed in rural Kanawha. Faye passed away in November of 1963. Gerald married Ethel Anne Peterson on March 12, 1966 in Tarrytown, New York. The couple continued to live on the farm in rural Kanawha until they retired and moved to Kanawha in 1978. Ethel died in November of 1997. Gerald enjoyed bowling, fishing and gardening. He was always sharing his garden produce with his friends and neighbors. Gerald was an active member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church where he served on various committees including serving on the church’s consistory. Gerald was also a board member for the Care Review Committee at the Kanawha Community Home.

Gerald is survived by two sons – Marvin and his wife Patsy of Fort Madison, and Gary Swyter and his wife Barbara of San Dimas, California. He leaves five grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Hew was preceded in death by his parents; two spouses; two sisters – Gladys Swyter in 1926 and Mrs. Herman (Elsie) Eekhoff in 1969; one son – Roger Swyter in 1944; and two grandsons – Bryan Swyter in 1967 and Robert Swyter in 1978.