Gerald D. (Gerry) Swagart

A descendant of the Moore, McEwen, Betzer, Huber, and Swagart families, Gerry was born Feb. 12, 1926, in St. Johns, Mich., he attended school at St. Johns and Cooks. He joined the military, serving in both WWII and Korea in the Marines and the Air Force. While in the Air Force and stationed in Washington, he met and married the love of his life, Frances A. (Westerberg) (Thomas) who preceded him in death after 62 years of marriage.

Also preceding him were his brother, Gaylord; son, Gary Thomas; and granddaughter, Mandy.

He is survived by his brother, Leonard of Garden; sister, Isadeane (Clare) Applebee of Ovid, Mich.; sons, Dock (Debby) USN (Ret.) of Hollywood, Md., Glenn (Vicky) USN (Ret.) of Covington, Ind., David (Cindy) USN (Ret.) of Cooks, and Clay (Laurie) USN (Ret.) of Elsie.

He enjoyed many grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Gerry made his home in Cooks. He worked and retired from Union Local 150 Operating Engineers of Illinois. He was an NRA lifetime member, he enjoyed reloading, target shooting, gunsmithing and going to various gun shows. He was also a member of various clubs, such as The Leadslingers in Illinois, Snowgoers of Cooks, Marble Arms Knife Club, Moose Lodge, VFW, and the American Legion, to name a few.

He enjoyed attending auctions, clockmaking, wood- and leatherworking. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, snowmobiling, making maple syrup in the spring and just being in the great outdoors.

Gerry touched the lives of many through his various activities throughout his long life.

The family would sincerely like to thank the people, staff and friends including, but not limited to, the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique, Manistique Senior Center, D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, and the organizations associated with them for the care they provided.

Also a grateful Thank You to Sally Minor for the loving care she provided to our parents. We would also like to thank the Fausett Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility or D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Post Fund in Marquette.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at the Fausett Family Funeral Homes in Manistique. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., with Rev. Fr. Ben Paris officiating. Burial will take place in the spring.

Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Family and friends may send condolences or share a memory at fausettfh.com.