William “Bill” Swaar
d. June 12, 2014
William Dono Swaar, 60, of Mason City, IL passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born October 18, 1953 in Springfield, the son of C. Mac and Elsie Montgomery Swaar. He met the love of his life, Kathy, at a high school music contest in the spring of 1971 and married her on June 16, 1972 in Cantrall, IL.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Kathy of Mason City, his son Matthew, (Deborah), of Crofton, Maryland; his daughter Lisa, (Charles) Steffens of Lakeland, Florida; sister Anna Marie (Darrel) Behrends of Mason City; brothers Robert M. (Sarah Jane) of Greenview, and John of Shelbyville, along with a large network of extended family and friends. He adored his grandchildren Sean Thomas Holden, Nicholas Anthony, Hannah Grace and Graham Bradley Fougerousse, Molly Ann Steffens, and Clark William Marshall Swaar. Great-grandson Levi Thomas Holden is expected in July.
At the time of his death, Bill was a farmer, a pastor, and a GIAC certified computer consultant, whose passions were many and varied. He was a skilled musician, an avid fisherman, a world traveler, and a die-hard Cub fan. By far the most important things to Bill were the people in his life, and his quick wit, his sense of fairness, his fierce optimism, and his laughter will be missed by all who knew him. The faith, hope and love with which he lived his life were gifts of grace that will be cherished by his family forever.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mott and Henning Funeral Home, Athens, IL, where friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 17. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 18 at the Indian Point Presbyterian Church, Athens, IL, with The Rev. Julie Wells Blythe officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Indian Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indian Point Presbyterian Church, 24562 Indian Point Ave., Athens, IL. 62613, which Bill lovingly served as Pastor for nearly 20 years. The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the entire St. John’s Hospice staff for the loving and compassionate care Bill received during the last weeks of his life.
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Posted June 13th, 2014 at 12:43 pm
My sincere sympathy to you, Kathy, and your family. Bill will be so sadly missed. He was wonderful to the Athens Library and we so appreciated his computer talents and his humorous, warm, friendly personality.
I know he is rejoicing with the angels in heaven even though your heart is hurting for the emptiness of is his passing.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Maggie
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Kathy,
We are saddened to learn of Bill’s death, but we rejoice that he is with his precious Lord. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Unfortunately we cannot attend visitation or funeral due to Greg’s scheduled appointments at Northwestern.
Both of us have fond and fun memories of Bill through the years. He was a joy to know and work with and his farm theology made you think.
May God surround you with His everlasting love and give you peace as you move through the days ahead.
Grace, peace and hugs,
Joy and Greg Haning
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 3:42 pm
Our deepest sympathy to Kathy, Matt & Lisa. Your family has always been a part of ours. We will always remember and be grateful for the things Bill did for us. We have many fond memories that we will cherish forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 4:01 pm
Dear Anna Marie,
Although I never met your brother, I’m sure he was a loving and giving man and a wonderful brother. Bruce and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Shirley and Bruce
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Kathy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Bill was an exceptional person that I will always fondly remember. From the first time I met him at Paula’s (back in high school days) to the last time I saw him at Paul Rogers sale he was always the same with his easy smile and quick wit. Our world will always be a better one for having had Bill here.
My sincerest sympathy to you all.
Deb Hoover Rasch Hilton Head Island, SC
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Kathy and Family, as I look out my window here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I see a Paradise Monarch flycatcher with its foot-long white tail feathers streaming behind it. I think of Bill having entered Paradise, basking in the Lord’s love and wonderful presence and being reunited with so many dear loved ones as well as all of God’s children from around the world who are sitting down at the Welcome Table together. I have enjoyed knowing you both as you have served the Lord so lovingly and with such great joy. That will stretch into all eternity. I’m privileged to have served together with you in Great Rivers Presbytery and pray for the Lord’s comfort and strength and especially his peace to fill you and cover you and your family at this time. God bless you all! Carolyn Weber, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Posted June 14th, 2014 at 10:10 am
Kathy & Family,
i learned today of bill’s passing. my family & i would like to express our deepest sympathy & condolences to you & the family during these saddened and most difficult times. i would also like to say my family & i will keep you in our continued thoughts & prayers during these most difficult times too.
kathy i just wanna say in the few short years ive known you and bill its been a true honor & blessing & ill definately miss bill & his great smile & great personality. i only wish i had known bill better but he was a great man and a great friend to me.
may you cheerish all the good times and wonderful memories you & your family have of bill and may bill rest in peace and never be forgotten. heaven has gained another wonderful angel that is definately for sure.
Posted June 14th, 2014 at 1:24 pm
My sincere sympathy to all of you. Bill touched many lives and left memories of his personality, smile, kindness and caring for others. May your golden memories bring you comfort.
Posted June 15th, 2014 at 7:58 am
What a precious worker in the Lord’s vineyard. Bill always made me feel welcome when I visited Indian Point. God gifted Him with a rich personality and skills that Bill never hesitated to use in his life…..blessing all who were around him. Those in heaven are rejoicing now that Bill is there, even while we grieve his leaving us. Our lives are richer for having known him, and my prayers are with his family.
Posted June 15th, 2014 at 10:18 am
Kathy and Family, I will never forget how much Bill and you helped my young family 30 years ago. I am deeply saddened by your loss, please except my condolences.
Posted June 15th, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Kathy – I’m so sorry to learn of Bill’s death. I know you have family and friends to support you in his passing. Lean on the Lord for your strength, as I know you do. You wonder how people get though separations like this without the Lord. I’m going to try to get either to the visitation or funeral.
Jean
Posted June 16th, 2014 at 7:16 am
Dear Kathy,
I’m so sorry about Bill’s passing. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and admired his leadership. Also enjoyed our conversations about our Cubbies.
Take good care of yourself.
Posted June 16th, 2014 at 7:20 am
Dear Kathy,
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and admired his leadership. We had many good conversations about our Cubbies.
Take good care of yourself
Posted June 16th, 2014 at 9:33 am
Dear Kathy,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I will miss Bill so much. He was a shining star for so many. I learned to pay more attention when I was in Bill’s presence. Good farmer that he was, Bill had an eye for detail. He would notice things and he would expect me to notice them, too. He always inspired me and my memories of him will continue to lift me up. Thanks for sharing him with us. We’re all better off for having had the opportunity to know Bill. We will keep you in our prayers.
Posted June 16th, 2014 at 3:55 pm
God gives us the lives of cards we’re dealt. Some cards let us go on to the 90’s or 100’s. Other cards are dealt for the young. You were given time with your physical, emotional, and mental love for 42 years. How special those 42 years are, and will continue. Please reach to your heart and soul and pray for serenity for solace.
Posted June 16th, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Dear Kathy, I’m proud to have known Bill. He taught me much while we worked together on the Committee on Ministry. I will remember him as smart, witty, eloquent, and faithful to his beliefs. May God give you strength and grace in coping with your grief. Tell your children, he was loved by many and will be missed by each of us. Much love, Karen
Posted June 21st, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Dear Kathy: I am so very sorry to learn today of Bill’s passing. Prayers for you and your family that you will get through this time with the love and support of family and friends. May God wrap his arms around you in the weeks ahead!! He was a GREAT man!!
Much Love, Mary Canada
Posted June 22nd, 2014 at 7:04 am
Kathy, I just heard the news about Bill and was shocked. I had no idea that he had been sick. I know you will miss him greatly but there is no doubt in my mind that you will see him again in Heaven. My sympathy goes out to you and your family and the many friends he had made while serving as a Pastor. God’s Word says HE is near to the broken-hearted so I know HE is holding you in His loving arms right now. May God grant you His Peace and His Comfort as you journey through your grief and the days ahead. Remember you have many friends here in Green Valley who are praying for you. With love and sympathy and prayers, Martha Dunnam ‚ô™