Donald M. Swank, 90, passed away surrounded by the love of his family at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home in Plymouth.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on Saturday October 17, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Plymouth Church of the Brethren, 1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, with Rev. Tom Anders officiating. Friends are welcome to visit from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Bremen Cemetery, Bremen.
Lifetime Marshall County resident, Don was born in Bremen, Indiana on August 8, 1929 to Ray and Gladys (York) Swank. He graduated from Bremen High School with the class of 1949.
On October 17, 1954 Don married the love of his life, Marlene H. Bottorff. To this blessed union came three children: Glenda, Donna and Nancy. They celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Don retired from United Parcel Service after working there for 34 years. He joined the company when it first came to Indiana. He delivered packages in the brown package cars for 10 years and then became a Feeder Driver, pulling doubles from Bourbon to Toledo, Ohio. He received appreciation plaques for his many years of service from UPS and a commendation from the State of Indiana Governor’s Office for outstanding service to the State of Indiana.
He enjoyed woodworking, hiking, bicycling and playing tennis. Don enjoyed and took his family camping to Canada, the Bad Lands, Mount Rushmore, Yellow Stone National Park and explored out west. Don hiked the Appalachian Trail but did not get to finish due to declining health.
Don flew to Alaska in a two seat Cessna plane and visited many small towns and places. In 2015, he took Marlene on a cruise to Alaska. Don and Marlene celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii.
He rode his bicycle three times across Indiana to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. He also helped build Habitat Homes in Marshall County and volunteered at the Restore. He was a member of Plymouth Church of the Brethren.
Don spent 26 winters in Avon Park, Florida where he enjoyed playing tennis three days a week, playing basketball, pickleball and organizing bicycle rides. While in Florida, he rode a tandem with Paul Nye, from Coco Beach to the end of the Keys and from Coco Beach to Miami.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Marlene, and their children: Glenda Swank of Statesville, NC, Donna (Bill) Girten of Plymouth and Nancy (David) Chapleau of Granger; grandchildren: Katie (Brad) Clauss, Joel (Kilea) Girten and Abby Chapleau; and 5 great-grandchildren: Mallory, Keaton, Kannon, Parker and Ellie. Also surviving are his siblings: Maxine Tyson of Bremen, Jeri Robinson of Denver, CO, Carol Hall of Bremen and Larry (Sherry) Swank of South Bend.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Robert Swank and Marilyn Metcalf.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Plymouth Church of the Brethren, 1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 or Kindred Hospice, 1476 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN 46975.
PLEASE NOTE: For your protection, the entire funeral home staff will wear masks. It is highly recommended that family members and their guests do so as well.
Diane Kuskye says
Marlene and family, sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin and Donna Chaney. says
Hoping during this time of mourning your family can call upon special memories to ease the pain of your loss.
Barbara Holem says
Our sympathies to the family in the passing of Don.
May God’s love surround you at this time.
Our love & prayers,
Jerry & Barbara Holem
Linda Jones says
Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring comfort during this sad time
Allen & Linda Jones
Janet Newberg says
Donna, Mrs. Swank and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May wonderful memories help you during your grief journey.
Zack Roccaforte says
When I think of Mr. Swank I think of a kind man. I remember him always being so welcoming every time we drove the pontoon across the lake to his house. I recall the joyful lunches after church with him and Marlene. It was also always livening to see him around whenever we would bike to his house to visit, see him playing ping pong at lifeplex, at PCOB, and everywhere else around Plymouth. I’m blessed to have met Don Swank.
Shirley Gidley says
I’m so sorry to you, Donna and all of you immediate Family and the siblings and family. To Marlene and all I send my thoughts and a condolences. Don was such a gr4eat man and kind individual. Also, a hard worker, a loving husband, fed father, and grandfather.
May y9ou all remember those smiles, the good times and happiness that was shared by all.
My prayers for all.n