Richard Swiontek

Richard Francis Swiontek of Fargo, ND passed away at the age of 90, under the care of Ethos Hospice of Bethany in his “apartment” surrounded by his family on Thursday Aug 29, 2019.

Richard was born on April 30, 1929 to Joseph and Mary (Tobolski) Swiontek and raised on a farm near Edgeley, ND.  We personally think he came into this world speaking Polish and combing his wave. Richard attended school until the 8th grade. He earned his GED while serving in the Army November 9, 1951 through March 5, 1953 being stationed in Germany.

He was married Sep 20, 1954 to Caroline Wilhelm and to this union 9 children were born, many grandchildren (which he would give special names) and many more great grandchildren.  He married the love of his life Alice (Goraczkowski) Wiley on June 13, 1981. He gained 6 step children, more grandchildren and step grandchildren. They enjoyed a number of years together living on Lake Ida, MN.  Each winter was spent traveling to their other home in Mission, TX with their little dog Mitzi. Not only did they enjoy the warm weather (or cold as Dad would say); but they also met many friends which they considered family.

Telling off color jokes and making people laugh was his number one priority along with having a perfect driving record recording two million miles on the road as a truck driver, which we’ve heard about many times. One of his greatest accomplishments was keeping his license until the day he died, driving around in his Buick, his pride and joy. “Way to go Dad”. 

After moving into Bethany, he relished becoming the life of the floor making many friends with the CN’s as he liked to call them, the nurses and his neighbors.  Being fought over by the staff was not unheard of and family they did become.  Sometimes you would think it was a party in the room with him getting everyone laughing with his jokes, songs or speaking Polish.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Swiontek, six siblings, his daughter Anna Metcalf, son in law Brent Tracy, infant granddaughter Koppelman and his 1st beloved dog Cinnamon.

Richard is survived by his wife Alice Swiontek, his children, Joseph (Carol)Swiontek, Charlotte Tracy, Richard (Tammy) Swiontek, Barbara Koppelman, Mary (Curtis) Holtz, Martha (Tom) Mace, Theodore (Kathy) Swiontek and Teri (Gary) Pape, six stepchildren, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and his beloved dog Mitzi

A Celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, September 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at Mavis Whiting Chapel in Bethany on University in Fargo with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to Bethany Retirement Living of South University.  The family would also like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful caring staff of Bethany that became family.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

www.westfuneralhome.com

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