Obituary: Ward B. Swartz

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Ward Swartz, age 80, of Millington, MI passed away at his L’Anse home on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was born in L’Anse on May 18, 1942 the son of the late John “Mickey” and Clara (Knapp) Swartz.

Professionally Ward graduated from L’Anse High School in 1960 where he played football, basketball and ran track. Ward served in the United States Army and following his honorable discharge from the Army he relocated to Millington, MI. Ward worked for GM for 30 years, retired in 1994 and enjoyed 28 years of retired life. Following his passion for work and the UP he worked as a snowmobile trail groomer in Baraga County. He also worked as an electrical apprentice for the greatest electrical contractor in the Nation. Wrapping up his professional career as lifetime executive committee member of Da Cup Tournament.

Personally Ward was led to the love of his life by the relationship his brother Bill & wife Ann had with the DuRussel family of Munger. Ward married Nancy DuRussel on February 17, 1969. Ward and Nancy had two fantastic children Deb (Shawn) Shamel & Jeff (Renee) Swartz. Ward was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Eagles Club & L’Anse American Legion Post #144. Ward enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards, visiting, buggy riding & keeping up with his grandchildren.

Ward is survived by his truly amazing wife Nancy, fantastic children Deb (Shawn) Shamel of Vassar, MI and Jeff (Renee) of Davisburg, MI, grandchildren Sophia, Carmen, Colton & Cayden, brother Roland (Cheryl “Dodo”) Swartz of L’Anse, sister Amelia “Dolly” Sapcut of Baraga and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. Ward was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Wayne, Clyde, Jerry, Bill and infant brother Baby Blue and his sister Pearl Thoresen.

A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse.

Baraga County area veterans will conduct military honors at the funeral chapel at 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, September 29, 2022 a visitation will also be held at Hanlin Funeral Home, 4823 Main St, Millington, MI 48746 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Ward’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.