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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
SMSgt. Carl Ivan Swanger, USAF (retired) passed away on August 13, 2023, at Emory Bennett Veterans Nursing Home where he’d been a resident for 3 months.
Carl was born at home in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania on August 9, 1932. He was the fourth of fourteen children of John and Eleanor (Baker) Swanger.
Carl went into the Air Force in 1951. He was stationed at Great Falls AFB, Montana, where he met his wife, Joyce.
Carl and Joyce were married on June 20, 1953, in Fort Benton, Montana.
Carl was active duty for 27 years. From Great Falls AFB, they went to Lockbourne AFB, Ohio. Carl went to Kadena AFB, Okinawa and from there to Misawa AFB, Japan where his family joined him. Then they went Westover AFB, Massachusetts from there to Yokota AFB, Japan then Shepard AFB, Texas then to Keesler AFB Mississippi. He then went alone to U-Tapao AFB, Thailand and then to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, where he retired.
Carl went to work for Servicemaster as a clinical engineer in hospitals. He worked for them for 18 years then became an independent contractor, working in hospitals as a clinical engineer.
When they were able, through the years, Carl and Joyce spent summers in Tapiola, Michigan, where Joyce grew up. Carl loved going to the Feedmill for breakfast. He enjoyed the peaceful country life, watching birds at the feeders. He also worked around the farm for his mother-in-law Toini Granroth.
Carl is survived by his wife of 70 years- Joyce. Also survived by his daughters Marilynn Swanger (Sherri Ross), Susan (Jim) Sorenson and grandson Jason Striby.
He is also survived by his brothers Charles, Llyod (Phyllis), Fred (Eleanor), John, Eugene (Donna) and Rawlin (Melissa) Swanger and his sister, Sonja Kline.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mahlon Swanger, and sisters Dorothy Newbury, Anne Mae Getz, Nancy Paul, and Linda Swanger.
A graveside service for Carl will take place at 12:15pm on Thursday, September 7, 2023 in the Elo Cemetery with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate.
He will receive military honors from the Copper Country Veterans Association.
To view this obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.
