Raymond W. Swagel

Raymond W. Swagel, 89, Kewaunee, passed away at home on Monday, October 14, 2024. Ray was born on February 14, 1935, to the late George and Lillian (Blahnik) Swagel. Ray met his wife Betty Dvorak in 1957 at a Memorial Day dance in Denmark and they have been together ever since. They married on January 3, 1959, in Mishicot. Together Ray and Betty ran the family farm.

Ray was a graduate of Kewaunee High School. After school he worked as a DHIA Milk Tester while he was attending NWTC to become an auto mechanic. Ray had a number of jobs over the years including Panosh Motors on Highway 29, Shimanek Trucking hauling peas, sweet corn, and sugar beets, pea cutting at Larsen's Food, Hamilton's in Two Rivers, and was a door-to-door salesman for Fuller Brush. In 1962, he returned home and took over his parents' farm. He drove a milk truck for Ellisville Coop. Ray hauled cattle to market for Kewaunee Coop. Ray was a stock car team mechanic for his friends from 1962-1967. He worked part time for the W. Seyk Company during the winter months.

Ray was a West Kewaunee Town Board member for 30 years. He was the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, and the long-time treasurer of St. John Catholic Church in Krok.

Ray is survived by his children, Joe Swagel, Milt Swagel, Jim (Tammy) Swagel, Mike Swagel, Barb (Rick) Meister; grandchildren, Jon Meister, Tim Meister, and Jessica Swagel; brother George Swagel; sister-in-law, Carol Dvorak; as well as by nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty; his parents, George and Lillian Swagel; son Bill Swagel; sister-in-law Mae Swagel; brothers-in-law, Roland (Margaret) Dvorak, Gordon (Irene) Dvorak, Milton Dvorak and Robert Dvorak; sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Bob) Nemitz, Grace (Rudy) Novitski; brother-in-law, Ervin Tesarik (Jeanette's first husband).

Visitation will take place at St. Hedwig - East Krok, on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 9-11 am. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am with Fr. Dennis Drury officiating. Burial to take place in the Krok cemetery. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services - Kewaunee is assisting the family. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.