Dale Swift
October 16, 2010
Dale Swift, 72, passed away Saturday October 16, 2010, at his home in West Des Moines from esophageal cancer. He was born September 29, 1938, in Des Moines to Agnes and Ora Swift.
Dale graduated from East High School in 1957 and then served in the United States Marines. He owned and operated Swift Auto Salvage in Des Moines. His favorite place to be was the Lake of the Ozarks. Dale was a good friend to all who knew him, extremely generous, and especially loved being with his grandchildren and family.
Dale is survived by his loving wife, Gretchen; his son, Michael (Tracy), granddaughter, Mallory (Troy) Henke and great-granddaughter, Kalli; grandson, Samuel; his daughter, Susan (Jim) Fidler and grandchildren, Grant, Caroline and Isabelle; his daughter, Wendi (Rob) Roush and grandchildren, Callie, Jack and Olivia; his son, Steven (Kelly) and grandchildren, Benjamin and Nicholas; his dog, Lilly; aunt and uncle, Byron and Gloria Brockway; aunt, Betty Lawler; and many family and friends.
The family would like to thank Mercy Cancer Center, with a special thank you to Dr. Matt Hill, Dr. Jeffrey Stahl, and Dr. Phillip Colletier and the nurses on 8 South.
Friends may visit with family from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at the church. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery. Casual dress is requested.
The family requests NO flowers. Instead, memorial contributions may be made to the Dale Swift Philanthropic Fund, a fund set up to provide financial assistance to cancer patients and families in need.
Online condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim Zimmerman And Family
10/18/2010
Swift Family,
My Family is deeply saddned at the loss of Dale. I wish I had the words to let you know how my whole family feels for you at this time. We can only say we are here for you if you need us or need something please call.
I will forever remember the times that I dj'd for you all at the wedding's, birthday parties and reunions what great fun we all had. Dale was the life of the party and wanted everyone to have a great time.
He has left behind Grethen the best wife a man could have, Along with the childern of heart and thoughtfulness, that which was taught to them by both Dale and Grethen.
To quote a Josh Groban song,
"I know youre there. A breath away's not far to where you are."
You will be in my thoughts,
Jim Zimmerman and Family
Katherine, Galen, Mark Howsare
10/18/2010
Mike, Tracy, Mall, Troy and Sam,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Also, sad we didn't know him, but he must have been a great guy to have left all of you as his legacy. Thoughts and prayers,
Mark, Anne, Jesse, Galen and Kathy
Carolyn Woods 'Rags'
10/18/2010
So sorry to have heard of Dale's passing .... I've been following him over the past couple of years through updates by my parents, Morris & Inger. Was hoping to see him this past Summer during one of my family visits - didn't get to see Dale, but did see Gretchen.
I have many many memories of Dale over the years. Most fondly while growing up the 'junkyard kid' and going to see Dale and being called by my nickname 'Rags' .... :)
He will truly be missed.. You are all in my thoughts. I wish I could attend, but am living out in Colorado at this time. Please know that I will CHEER Dale from my home out here and be with you all in my heart.
Take Care,
Carolyn 'Rags' Woods (Palmer)
Janet Hockey
10/18/2010
The The Swift Family:
My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I know what it is like to lose a parent. May God's Peace and Grace be with you always in Jesus Christ.
Take Care,
Chuck, Janet, Sarah and Olivia Hockey
Kenneth & Betty McConnell
10/18/2010
Gretchen,
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and Family.
As a lifelong friend I will always remember Dale and Gretchen as Grade school thru High school friends and always available to help over the years.
May God be with You.
Mike, Karen, Ben and Gracie Smith
10/18/2010
Gretchen, Mike, Susan, Wendi, and Steven,
We are fortunate when our paths cross with someone who has a spirit about them that "raises us up". Dale was that type of person. There was just something about him. Having been raised by someone with that quality (our dad/grandpa), we know that when they leave us, it seems nothing will ever (or should ever) fill the void. The good news is, they leave lasting (and often-times colorful) memories that help get you through the hard times.
Thanks for sharing Dale with the rest of us.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Mike, Karen, Ben and Gracie Smith
Jon and Charlotte Torrey & Son
10/17/2010
We give our condolences to the family. We are sorry for your loss and thinking of you always.
marvin & cherie morris
10/17/2010
God bless your family and you are in our prayers
Our prayers go out to the Swift family. May God bless you in the days to come. The comfort in knowing Dale is now in God's hands. God bless all of you. We will miss Dale and his humor and loving manner.
CatherineGennrich
10/17/2010
May Dale rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of great sorrow. your treasured memories of Dale will always be with you.
Catherine