Date of Birth
Jul 11,1929
Date of Death
Jul 06,2016
Louis E. “Lou” Swiderski, age 86, of Elburn, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, July 6, 2016.
He was born on July 11, 1929, in Chicago, IL, the son of Louis A. and Rose (Krynicki) Swiderski.
Lou grew up in Chicago and attended local schools. He graduated with the class of 1947 from Chicago Vocational High School.
Lou found work at Chicago Bridge and Iron for a time before hearing the call of his country.
Lou faithfully served in the United States Army and was stationed for eighteen months in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge, Lou returned to civilian life back in Chicago. Lou later worked as a plant manager for Griffin Wheel Company for 37 years before his retirement in 1993.
Lou met Geraldine “Gerry” Zaremba at a local polish dance during their high school years. They were married six months after his return from overseas, on October 10, 1953.
They began their new life together on the south side but made their home around Chicago until Lou was transferred to Alabama and thirteen years later they moved to Keokuk, IA. Following his retirement, Lou and Gerry came home to family in Elburn. Seventeen years of children and grandchildren followed, along with thousands of memories that filled the hearts of their family.
Lou was a proud and active member of the Elburn American Legion, Post 630, as well as a lifetime member of the Batavia Knights of Columbus, Council 2191. Lou was a faithful member at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn where he was an “altar boy” and assisted with funerals for too many years to count.
Lou had a passion for working with his hands. He made beautiful toys, rocking chairs, changing tables and more, that have become instant family heirlooms. Lou’s biggest hobby was family. From kids and grandkids, to cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, they all had a special place in his heart. The most treasured thing that he made were the memories of being surrounded by all the ones he loved.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years, Gerry Swiderski; two sons: Robert (Kelly) Swiderski and Michael (Laura) Swiderski; seven grandchildren: David (Suzanne) Swiderski, Scott (Jamie) Swiderski, Joseph Swiderski, Matthew Swiderski, Jennifer Swiderski, Amy Swiderski and John Swiderski; two great-grandchildren: Jackson and Abby Swiderski; nieces, nephew and a family of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Rose Swiderski and one brother Claude (Marlene) Swiderski.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Mass will follow at 1 p.m., at St. Gall Catholic Church, 120 Shannon St. Elburn, (parking in back). Interment will follow at St. Gall Catholic Cemetery, Elburn. (Note: The Rt. 47 railroad tracks are currently closed to construction. If driving north on Rt. 47, you may bypass construction by turning one block east off of Rt. 47 to First St., then proceeding across the railroad tracks and turning west one block, back to Rt. 47 before driving north to the funeral home and church.)
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit St. Vincent DePaul. Checks may be made to “St. Vincent DePaul” and mailed in care of Louis Swiderski, P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.
Mass will be at 1 p.m., at St. Gall Catholic Church, 120 Shannon St. Elburn, (parking in back).
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Mass will follow at 1:00 PM at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn
Interment will follow at St. Gall Catholic Cemetery, Elburn. (Note: The Rt. 47 railroad tracks are currently closed to construction. If driving north on Rt. 47, you may bypass construction by turning one block east off of Rt. 47 to First St., then proceeding across the railroad tracks and turning west one block, back to Rt. 47 before driving north to the funeral home and church.)