Stephen Swath | 1933 - 2024
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Feb 5, 2024 | 4:03 PM / 277 views
PIERRE, SD – Stephen E. Swath, 90, of Pierre, SD died Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pierre.
A prayer and burial service will take place in Pueblo, Colorado at a later date.
Stephen E. Swath, 90, of Pierre, SD, died Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre.
Steve Swath was born on July 4, 1933, to Stephen J. and Helen A. (Kusmeroski), in Pueblo, Colorado. He graduated from Central High School in Pueblo in 1951. Among his activities, he most enjoyed being the school photographer. During high school he had a part-time job running errands for the Title Company of Pueblo, and later worked there while in college.
He started college at the Pueblo Community College but left to join the US Army. He was on active duty from 1953 to 1955, and in the Army Reserve for the following eight years. He was very proud of being a veteran.
After completing his business degree, he began work at the Colorado State Hospital in Pueblo. He was an administrative officer at the hospital serving as the Senior Buyer until his retirement in 1988. After retirement he enjoyed working part-time in a bookstore.
Steve was united in marriage to Margaret (Peggy) Flynn in 1959 in Parsons, Kansas. They lived in Pueblo, where they became the parents of two daughters – Margaret (Peggy) and Patricia (Patty). While their marriage ended in 1990, their amicability thereafter was a blessing to their children and their families.
Over the years Steve was active in many organizations including the Jaycees, Elks, Rotary, and Eagles. He was part of the Forever Young group and also served on his high school class reunion committees. His interest in vehicles included membership in the Model A Club and the Gold Wing Motorcycle Club.
Steve Swath was a master craftsman and fix-it guy. He had a knack at studying something that needed fixing and making it better.
He was active in his church and served as an usher and a money-counter in retirement.
He frequently came to South Dakota to visit his daughters and their families. Steve rarely missed a milestone event in his grandchildren’s lives.
After a fall left Steve wheelchair-bound early in 2021, Steve moved to Maryhouse in Pierre, SD, in July of that year to be close to his daughters and for his daughters to make sure he received the care he deserved. He enjoyed being wheeled to the riverside and to band concerts.
He is survived by his two daughters and their families: Peggy (Mark) Moreno of Pierre, with daughter Kari (Isaac) Olsen and son Landon of Ankeny, IA, daughter Michelle (Mike) Walton and daughter Tya Bourne of Pierre, and daughter Sarah Moreno and fiancé Ben Gilkerson and their son Dax of Pierre; and, daughter Patty (Dave) Helgeland of Brookings, with daughter Maggie (Isaac) Popp and son Roman of Bismarck, ND, and son Matt Helgeland of Brookings. He is also survived by his sister Marianne Kollasch of Fort Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Masses be offered for Steve or that you donate time or money to your favorite charities in honor of Steve Swath.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre.