Raymond "Ray" Edward Swagger age 85, was surrounded by family as he was ushered to his heavenly home on January 23, 2021. His devotion to his family, especially his dear wife Kathryn, and his firm belief in God gave him hope during his cancer struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Ray was born to Raymond Ralph and Vadine (Seekins) Swagger, in Amery WI on January 4, 1936.
He attended high school in Wabasha, MN, voluntarily entered the Navy in 1953, served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged 1957. He married Kathryn (Dankers) Swagger on October 24, 1958 in Red Wing MN. He attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis, MN for Computer Science, had a rewarding career at Mohawk Data Sciences, followed by successful business ventures.
Ray fully enjoyed his lake house (especially entertaining his grandchildren) and community in Summit Lake WI, was a long-time member at Accession Evangelical Lutheran Church Antigo WI, played guitar in numerous bands, appreciated classic cars, was genuinely interested in people's lives, and was always the life of the party.
Ray was blessed with a large and loving family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathryn, Summit Lake WI; daughter Linda (Charles), New Berlin WI and son Terry, Summit Lake WI; grandchildren Charles (Carly), Robert, Emily Maris, Eddy (Terri), Anthony, Amy, and Michael (Danielle) Swagger; great-grandchildren William, Grace and Liliana Swagger; siblings Roger (Sharon) Swagger and Arlyce (Denis) Marek; cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by an infant daughter Lori; parents; and brothers Jarold, Dale and Ronald Swagger.
A Christian Burial with Military Honors will take place on Saturday, May 29th at 2:30 p.m. with Reverend Michael Spaude officiating and the Noetzelman-Boodrey American Legion Post 377, Elcho providing military honors.
The family gratefully declines flowers. Memorials can be sent to the family and made in his honor to either LeRoyer Hospice Services Antigo WI, or Cancer Research Institute New York NY, or Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church Antigo WI.
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My deepest sympathy to you Kathryn and your family. I think of him often and truly miss my friend. We lost a good one! Bob Liethen
Our deepest sympathies, Kathryn
Dan & Renée Wink
Kathryn-I just heard about Raymond's passing. I am heartbroken! I have lost a kind and caring friend and the world has lost a wonderful musician! We will all miss Raymond but lucky that he was our friend and that we have so many memories to hold in our hearts. Hope to see you soon! Vicky Haber
Hard to know what to say, but we loved your Dad, grandfather, and all of you. My sympathy and hope that the day will come we meet again. Give Katheryn big hugs from all of the Prissel's.
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