Tom E. Swiech Jr.

life story

A loving son, husband, father, and papa...

Thomas Edward Swiech, Jr., known as Tommy to some, passed away at the Minneapolis Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in the morning hours of November 8th. Tommy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His final days were spent fighting for the family he loved more than anything. Thomas was born in Chicago, IL on July 13th, 1951. At a very young age, he decided to follow his father’s footsteps in service of his country. He served in Vietnam as Amphibian Tractor Mechanic, 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 1st Marine Division. After returning to Chicago from the service, Tom married the love of his life, Cheryl A. Schrader. Soon, they would marry in 1978 and begin a family together. Thomas worked hard for his entire life in service of his family, with the notable achievement being recognized as Inventor 4462959 from the United States Patent Office. His favorite times were traveling with family. On a road trip cross-country was where his heart was.

Those left to cherish memories of Thomas are his wife, Cheryl Swiech; sons: Michael Swiech (Denise Vorwerk), Christopher Swiech (Kelsey Broschat), and Steven Swiech (Jamie Southward); daughters: Michele Jaeger (Joshua Jaeger) and Kimberly Collins (Jon Huss); grandchildren: Katelyn Swiech, Hunter Peterson, Andrew Swiech, Sarah Jaeger, Zane Swiech, Madison Collins, Brynn Collins, and Chloe Jaeger. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Kathy McGovern and Debbie Cole (Rich Cole). Along with numerous others as well as a large extended family; also to include, close friends George and Sherry Gardner as well as Jeffrey and Connie Mahone who held a very special place in his heart. His family was his pride and joy, which was evident by the way Tom spent as many moments as possible bragging about his family to anyone who would listen.

Thomas is preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Swiech, Sr.; mother, Jeanette J. Swiech, mother-in-law Sally A. Schrader, brother-in-law Timothy McGovern, and a lifetime of extended family. At the request of Thomas’s wishes and his family, all services will be held privately. The family asks that anyone sending flowers would instead make a donation to a veteran’s cause in his name.