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John W Swank

John W Swank

Dateline: Menomonie

John W. Swank Jr., age 91 of Menomonie, died Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the Dunn County Health Care Center in Menomonie.

John was born on October 24, 1917 in Melvin, TX. He was the son of John Sr. and Annie (Linton) Swank. John grew up in Melvin and later moved to Austin, TX. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during WWII and served in the European Theatre. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After the service, he returned to Austin and he married Ann Andreassen on November 8, 1951 in Austin. After marriage, they moved to Menomonie in 1952 and began farming. John retired from farming in 1983.

John enjoyed woodworking and old John Wayne movies. He was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous. John and Ann developed the Birch Creek Area and part of Woodland Terrace, both in Menomonie. John was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

John is survived by a son, Steve (Samantha) Swank and a daughter, Peggy (Rick Biondich) Swank, both of Menomonie, two grandchildren, David (Akemi) of Japan and Leia Whittier of Eau Claire. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann in (1990), one son David (1980), five sisters and two brothers.