Les N Swartley

Lester Nyce Swartley passed away July 15 at the Heritage living center at the age of 87. He was born in Montgomery County PA to Raymond and Katie Nyce Swartley on January 28th 1928. He attended school in Bucks county near the family farm. As a young man he went on a 4 month mission trip from PA to Menahga MN. There he met Carol White whom he married 2 years later in 1951. The young couple lived in Wadena County for 5 years and then they moved to a Hubbard County farm in 1956. Besides working the farm, Les worked at the Ford Dealership and later at Ray's Skelly as a mechanic. In 1972 Les became the parts manager at the Ford Garage where he worked until retirement. The farm was home to four children born to this union Donna, David, Darla, and Thomas. In 1994 Les and Carol moved to a home in Park Rapids where they lived until Les required the care of Heritage Living Center. Lester was very active at Faithbridge (Faith Baptist) church serving in many capacities over the years. Les also faithfully served in the Gideon's and the local jail ministry well into his retirement years. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in his youth, and now is in eternity with his Lord Preceding him to heaven were his parents, son David, brothers Richard and Robert. Cherishing his memory are his beloved wife of 63 years Carol, daughters; Donna (James) Nickel, Darla (Mike) Hardesty, son Thomas (Carrie) Swartley, daughter in law Nannette (Tom) Rohwer. 10 grand children, 3 great grand children and two brothers, Raymond and Wilson, of Pennsylvania. Also, many friends and loving caregivers at Heritage Living Center. Visitation with family to be held Monday the 20th at Jones Pearson Funeral Home from 5:30 to 7:30. A memorial service will be at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids Tuesday at 2pm. Friends and loved ones are invited to donate to the Gideon's in lieu of flowers. http://www.gideons.org/sendtheword/single.aspx?PPGID=1&PGID=140&PID=186