Kenneth William Swisher
Kenneth Swisher Obituary
Kenneth William Swisher, 80, of Great Falls, died unexpectedly on February 1, 2018 after an intense 3 week illness at Benefis ICU. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 9, 2018 at 2pm in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home, Chaplain Richard Brennan will be officiating the Service.
Ken was born May 17, 1937 in Spangler, PA to Norman & Alice Swisher, the eleventh of thirteen children. He graduated from Patton High School in 1955 and immediately joined the Air Force. He successfully trained to be an Air Traffic Controller. He was lucky enough to be sent to several air bases over seas including Okinawa; Goose Bay, Labrador; and two stints in England, where he met his second wife, Margaret. Ken also served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War. During his service he earned numerous commendation awards. He retired from the Air Force in May of 1975 at Minot AFB, ND, then moved to Great Falls, MT, where he would spend the rest of his life. Ken started working for several companies for short periods of time while trying to find his niche. He finally settled with Cascade County Weed & Mosquito Abatement in 1976, retiring in June of 2000.
Ken loved the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and hunting. He enjoyed woodworking and often took examples back to PA for the Family Reunion held every year. Also, he was a great handyman and could fix almost anything around the house and yard. Another enjoyment was dancing and music, but an accident with his ankle curtailed the dancing activity. He was a member of the VFW and the Eagles.
Ken is survived by his wife, Margaret Ellis Swisher, MT; sister, Catherine Lallemand, PA; brothers, George Swisher, MT; John Swisher, UT; son, Michael Swisher, ME; daughters, Linda Gonya, NH; Terri Clifford, ME; Susan Boulanger, LA; stepson, Dale Ellis, MT; 7 grandchildren; 1 step grandson; 3 great-grandchildren.
Those who have preceded Ken in death include his parents; sisters, Elizabeth Davis, Louise Gers, Gretchen Gers, JoAnn Bosar; brothers, Fred, Norman, Eugene, Baby Boy and Curtis Swisher.
The family would like to thank the staff at Benefis ICU (caregivers, hospital staff, doctors and Dr. Brett Williams) for their excellent care and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Great Falls Animal Shelter, 1010 25th Ave NE, Maclean Animal Adoption Center, 900 25th Ave NE or a charity of your choice.
Condolences to the family may be shared at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
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