James Richard "Dick" Swift

HAWARDEN, IOWA – James Richard “Dick” Swift, 91, of Hawarden, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his home.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 25^th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hawarden with Father Roger Linnan officiating. Burial, with military rites, will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Porter Funeral Home is assisting the family.  The family prefers memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

   James Richard “Dick” Swift was born November 20, 1931, in Hawarden, Iowa to Irving and Frances (Lilley) Swift. After graduating from Hawarden High School in 1950, he entered the US Navy, where he served as a gunner aboard the USS Orleck from 1950 to 1954. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Hawarden, where he met his future wife, Clarabelle Suedbeck. They were united in marriage on October 6, 1956.

   Dick worked as a butcher for many years, eventually buying Hawarden Meats from Dean Martinson, where he continued to work, retiring in 1996.

   Dick hated Iowa winters but loved the summers. You could usually find him on the golf course, and afterwards at a card table. He also enjoyed a little fishing. Poker nights were a weekly thing, with lucky Dick toting his big jar of quarters around, bragging to anyone who would listen.

   Dick enjoyed watching his kids’ sporting events in his younger days and watching West Sioux Falcon sports on TV in his older days.

   He leaves behind 7 children, Phil (Karen) Swift of Ankeny, Iowa, Matt Swift of North Liberty, Iowa, Mark (Lisa) Swift of Brentwood, California, Judy (Dave) Van Bruggen of Hawarden, Brian (Anne) Swift of Sioux Center, Iowa, Carrie (Kevin) Lewis of Dublin, California, and Tony (Audra) Swift of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews, and of course, his loyal companion, Ruby.

   Waiting for him in Heaven will be his wife, Belle; infant son, James, Jr.; sister, Patty Keiser and her husband Butch; daughter-in-law, LeAnn Swift; and his parents.

   In Dad’s own famous words, “I’m out of gas.”

   Until we meet again, Dad, rest in peace.