Ronald E. Swank, 80
Ronald E. Swank, 80, of Austin, died on July 22, 2009 at the Austin Medical Center from COPD and congestive heart failure.
Ron was born June 29, 1929 in Austin to Bob and Helen (Leek) Swank, the oldest of four boys. He lived in Austin his entire life, except the four years he was in the Navy during the Korean War. Ron graduated from St. Augustine High School (Pacelli) in 1948. On Nov. 26, 1955 he was united in marriage to Winnie Kolb at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Ron worked at the Hormel plant for 38 years. He enjoyed his yard work and raising “moon flowers -angel’s trumpets” and “miniature oriental poppies.” Ron loved golfing and he belonged to the Ramsey Men’s Club. His pride was his family and traveling to Oregon, and Plymouth, Minn. to be with children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Winnie Swank, Austin; son, Brad (Evie) Swank, Springfield, Ore.; daughter, Renae (Jeff) Aspenson, Plymouth; grandsons, Austin Swank and Dan Aspenson; granddaughter, Ashley Swank; mother, Helen Swank, Austin; sisters-in-law, Theresa Swank and JoAnn Swank, both of Austin; many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Bob Swank; brothers, Paul, Kenneth and Leo Swank.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Military rites will be by American Legion Post #91. The casket bearers will be Ben Bednar, Denny Kolb, Randy Kolb and Kevin Kiser. Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association. Arrangments by Mayer Funeral Home.