Gene S Swartz Obituary (1934

Gene S. Swartz, 85 of rural Pontiac, IL died Saturday March 28, 2020 at 7:38AM at his residence. Private family services will be held at the McDowell Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Goodell officiating. Burial will be in South Side Cemetery, Pontiac, IL. A celebration of Gene's life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Gene's name may be made to McDowell Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church-Pontiac or OSF Hospice. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac is handling the arrangements. Gene was born on October 11. 1934 in Dana, IL a son of John Samuel and Esther Louise (Nelson) Swartz. He married Jan Carpenter on June 21, 1954 in Pontiac, IL. She survives in rural Pontiac. Also surviving is one son: Douglas (Patty) Swartz of Pontiac, IL; one daughter: Lynn Swartz of Champaign, IL; six grandchildren: Jason (Becky) Swartz, Heather (Matt) Machroli, Sean (Amanda) Swartz, Sam (Laura) Dietrich, Tom (Ericka) Dietrich and Jay (Kelli) Dietrich; thirteen great grandchildren; one sister: Lora Ann Schultz of Bloomington, IL and one brother: James (Jan) Swartz of Metamora, IL. Gene was educated in Pontiac schools. He owned and operated along with his wife and son Wilken Seed Grain Co. in rural Pontiac for over 52 years. Gene was a member of the Pontiac Elks Lodge, former Moose Lodge and a member of the McDowell Methodist and Pontiac United Methodist Churches. Gene served on the board of directors and served as president of the Illinois Crop Improvement Association. He also served on the board of directors of Illinois Foundation Seeds and the Pontiac National Bank. Gene was named small business person of the year by the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce. Gene was also a member of the Illinois National Guard. Gene dearly loved his family and was dearly loved by them. Gene truly felt that he was put on this earth to help others and he lived by that motto every day.