John J. Swank

February 14, 1949 - December 31, 2021

Passing into the great unknown on Dec. 31, 2021, was John J. Swank, known to his close friends simply as “Swank.”

John was born on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1949, to Roland J. and Billie G. (Franger) Swank.

Of the 6 siblings in the Swank family, John was the different one. From the time when, as a 3-years-old, he rode his tricycle 4 blocks to Ivy and Ernie’s house where Mom finally found him sitting with them on their front porch, eating a sausage sandwich. To being a nomad in his early adult life, traveling the county, and doing anything that pleased him.

John graduated from Bremen High School and attended the University of Indianapolis (then Indiana Central College), and on July 1, 1988 he married the love of his life, Katie (Ton) Swank, and settled down.

He retired from Zimmer’s quality control department after 17 years. In retirement he worked part time for Walmart, for Sprig o Mint golf course, and for his longtime friend John Stoller at Summit Manufacturing. He was an athletic person and played many sports, but he never liked golfing until he became too old to play other sports. Then he became an avid golfer and had many great outings with his golfing buddies Dean and Jeff. He enjoyed fishing, traveling to casinos, and an “occasional” drink. John loved his wife Katie, his many dogs through the years, and, of course, a good time with any of his friends. He was a big fan of the blues, and an evening at the Midway Tavern in Mishawaka listening to a blues band was his idea of heaven.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his infant brother Patrick, sister and brother in-law Sue and Dave Lemler, and sister Sherry Fisher. Leaving behind, along with wife Katie, are sister Sheila (Jimmy) Sowder of Silver City, New Mexico; brother Jeff (Kim) Swank, Bremen; brother in-law Ray Ton, South Bend; and many nieces and nephews. For whatever the reason, he will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.