WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
George E. Swalley, age 87, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Howe, Ind., a son to the late Phillip and Ada (Monroe) Swalley.
On June 22, 1942, he married Stephanie M. Bizjak in Waukegan, Ill..
George was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving for two years.
He was a mechanic by trade and worked several years at G.L. Miller Dodge in Waukegan, Ill., Miller-Krueger Dodge in Libertyville, Ill., and Ammco Tool in Waukegan, Ill.
In 1972, he and his wife moved to Sturgis, where he was employed for Sutton Tool until his retirement. He had a gift to gab and he loved playing cribbage.
Surviving are two daughters, Marilyn (Gary) Cookson of White Pigeon, and Jeannette (Troy) Haines of Beach Park, Ill.; daughter-in-law, Shirley Swalley of Zion, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Cary Cookson, Jason Cookson, Jami Haines, Bryan Haines, Tami Efsen, Jeff Swalley, Steve Swalley, Shanna Swalley, and Stacy Creamer; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Ellis of Beach Park, Ill. The family would like to extend a special thank you to friends that thought so much of their father: Brian Sandell, Don Bertva, Dorothy Coats, Sally Stevens and Sharon Davis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Stephanie in June 2007; a son, James in February 2007; a brother; and four sisters.
According to his wishes, there will be no visitation or services, as cremation has taken place. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be directed to Thurston Woods Village or the Charity of one’s choice. Envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, Sturgis, MI who is in charge of the arrangements.
