Calvin Swan

Date of Birth

Nov 29,1926

Date of Death

Oct 29,2015

CALVIN E. “Cal” SWAN, age 88, of Elburn, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his loving family, Thursday, October 29, 2015.
He was born on November 29th, 1926 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the son of Orville and Abbie Swan. Cal was a longtime resident of Elburn, IL, living in the home he helped build for his family.
Cal met his wife, Alice, on a blind date, set up by friends, and they were later married on June 16th, 1951 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, IL.
After many years of service and his retirement from The Strathmore Co. in Geneva, Cal spent countless hours in his machine and woodshop creating everything from model Stirling Engines to beautiful wooden boxes and bowls. He could fix anything he could get his hands on and if he couldn’t, he would invent a tool or part to do it for him. At the end of the day, his completed project was either, “Good enough for a kid”, or a few other choice words if things weren’t coming along as planned. Cal wouldn’t give up and he would wake up the next morning at dawn to continue problem solving until he figured it out. And figure it out he would.
Throughout his life, Cal loved to reminisce and tell stories of the old days and growing up. He enjoyed his collection of firearms and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He also had a passion for garage sales and couldn’t resist a bargain, often picking up another tool that he already had 10 of, never knowing when that one more would come in handy. He was also a prankster, with his friends telling of a time at work when Cal hooked electricity up to the break room door, put water on the floor, and sat back with a grin and laughed as his friends reached for the handle and received quite a surprise!
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice Swan; his beloved dog Katie; his son, Steven Swan of Hinckley; his daughters, Susan (Bill) Gates of Sugar Grove and Sandra Swan of Sugar Grove; his Grandchildren, Angie (Brian) Zelensek of Bristol, Robert (Felix) Black of Aurora, Ryan (Natalie) Swan of Arlington, VA, Michael Overton of Aurora, and Tiffany Olson of Oswego; his Great Grandson, Blake Zelensek of Bristol; his Brothers, Robert Swan of Atlanta, GA and Noel (Hwa Chun) Swan of Carbonado, WA; and his Sister, Marge (Cliff) Hopkins of Wheaton; in addition to many other friends and family.
In eternal life, Cal is reunited with his parents; his daughter, Sharon Difazzio; his best friend and fellow woodworker, Bob Myers; and many other friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Season’s Hospice. 6400 Shafer Ct., Suite 700 Rosemont, IL 60018 or Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800. Chicago,IL 60631. They are the world’s leading non-profit volunteer organization in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, support, and research. http://www.alz.org/illinois/ Tributes may also be forwarded to www.conleycare.com or the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page.

A brief prayer service will be held at the funeral home Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m., followed by the interment at 10 a.m. at Blackberry Township Cemetery where he will be laid to rest near his daughter Sharon. The family then invites friends to join them for a funeral service at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln, Batavia, IL 60510, at 11 a.m.

Visitation will be Monday, November 2, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, from 4-7 p.m.

Blackberry Township Cemetery

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