George Swank

George Swank, 93, died November 12, 2013 in Rockford, Illinois. George was born August 3, 1920 in Bluffton, Ohio, son of George and Emma (Bigler) Swank. He graduated from Bluffton High School in 1938 and excelled in football, basketball and track. While at Bluffton College he received a BA degree in Science (1942), he enjoyed playing football for the college team. Following graduation he taught science and coached athletics at Bluffton High School. In 1943 George enlisted in the armed services where he served in the Air Force and later in the 3rd Army in the European theater. On March 30, 1945 he married Luella Jeanne Baumgartner, his childhood sweetheart. George received a PhD degree in 1950 in plant pathology from Ohio State University. He worked for the State of Florida in the agricultural department. In 1954 he moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan and was employed by the Upjohn Company as a research scientist in both the domestic and international divisions for 30 years. He received the W. E. Upjohn Award in 1965. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, the Grand Lodge of Masons in Ohio and the Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Gull Lake Country Club. George loved watching college sports; especially his Buckeyes. He was a compassionate, fun loving and nurturing husband and father. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brothers Joe, Harland (Eileen), Charles (Helen), sister Dorothy Wies, and brother-in-law Neil Baumgartner (Polly). He is survived by his daughters, Sheryl (Mike) Bacon, Deborah (Peter) Hightower and grandchildren, Marianne Bacon, Michael Bacon, Julie (Joshua) Rouse, Eric (Kate) Hightower, and Paul Hightower and great granddaughter, Aliyah Rouse. George is also survived by his sister-in-law Nora (Swank) Mericle and several nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the special care given to George by Transitions Hospice and the staff at The Atrium Assisted Living facility. A memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church in Bluffton Ohio at 11:00 on Friday, November 22, 2013 followed by internment at Maple Grove Cemetery. A light lunch will be provided at the church after the burial. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.