DELAVAN – Edward H. Swets Sr., age 77, went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Vintage on the Ponds, where he made his home for the past 17 months. He struggled with Lewy Body and Parkinson’s Disease for many years. Ed was born on November 12, 1938 in Phoenix, IL to Walter and Bernice (Torrenga) Swets. He moved to Delavan in 1952 and attended Delavan High School. Ed married Mildred Bauch on June 27, 1958 at the Birnamwood Christian Reformed Church, by the Rev. Harvey Ouwinga. At the time, Ed worked at the Delavan Post Office. He worked at various Sentry Food Stores for many years. His favorite job was his last one, working as dispatcher at the Delavan Police Dept. for almost 18 years. Ed retired from there in June 2005. A job that he said he would do all over again, as he enjoyed being able to help people. Ed was a member of the Delavan Christian Reformed Church. He had a very strong faith and served as Elder, Catechism Teacher, and Youth Leader over the years. He served on the board at the Delavan Christian School and Faith Christian High School. He also served on the Darien Township board.
Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, Millie; two daughters, Gwen Veltkamp, of Elizabeth, IL, and Jackie (Jon) Sybesma, of Delavan; four sons, Edward Jr. (Joan) Swets, of Walworth, James (Sharon) Swets, of Manhattan, MT, Steve (Lynn) Swets, of Ocala, FL, and Jon (Stephanie) Swets, of Avalon, WI; 28 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren with one on the way; a sister, Judie (Elmer) Visscher, of SD; a brother, Rev. Walter (Albertha) Swets, of MI; and many nieces and nephews. Ed is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Arlene Wahlen and Evelyn Lindberg; a twin brother “Hankie” who passed away as a young lad; stepfather, Harold Swets; and a special granddaughter, Rachel Swets.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Delavan Christian Reformed Church, 850 Oak Street with Rev. Dan Roeda officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 11, 2015 at Monroe Funeral Home, 604 E. Walworth Ave and an hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan. Memorials can be directed to the Delavan Christian School. Special thanks to Paula Guadian, former co-worker and dear friend who faithfully visited Ed for many years and Ed considered as family. The family would also like to thank the staff at Vintage on the Ponds for the excellent care. Thanks also to Nancy Ehley, staff and volunteers from Mercy Hospice and Leslie from Mercy Home Health.
