Ernest "Ernie" Raymond Swartz, 97, passed away on January 15th at Genoa Retirement Village.
Ernest was born on November 23, 1917 to Charles and Charlotte (Bench) Swartz. He married Phyllis A. Brim
on October 24, 1941 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stony Ridge, where they both were baptized and
life-long members.
Ernest served his church as a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Church Council,
Property Committee and a loyal member who faithfully attended Church.
Ernest and Phyllis raised four children: Sharon (Franklin) Boyer of Northwood, Kenneth (Sharon) of
Perrysburg, James (Gail) of Northwood, Glenna (Don) Ernsthausen of Pemberville. All his children survive
in addition to stepson Rick (Mary) Murray of Bellevue, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Russell (Frances) and Roy (Olive), sister Gladys,
son-in-law Franklin Boyer, wife Phyllis Swartz, second wife C. Maxine Murray and stepson Robert Murray.
Ernest served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Hood Texas, from April 1942 to August 1943. He was
honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. This time instilled in him the love of our country as he
was a proud veteran. He enjoyed telling his grandchildren stories and sharing thoughts about his
experiences in the Army.
Ernest was a lifetime farmer starting with a team of horses and ending with modern day equipment. Early
on he milked cows, raised hogs and fed cattle in addition to crop farming. He actively farmed until he
was 85 years old. In addition to farming he drove school bus several years for Perrysburg Schools and
worked for the Ohio Turnpike, during construction, to seed the overpasses and around the ponds they dug.
As with most farmers, Ernest was quite accomplished with the weather. The grandchildren would call him
in the winter during periods of snow and ice asking his opinion on having school the next day.
A special thanks to Scott Swartz (grandson) and his family and Miriam Berger (niece) for their dedication
and visits to Ernest at his farm home and the Nursing Home during his elderly years. Also we wish to
thank the caregivers at Genoa Retirement Village and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their compassion and
care.
Some remembrances that his children wish to share: his warm wave to anyone passing by the farm, his
strong work ethic to do one more task than what was asked, and lastly his loyalty and love to his
family. He will be greatly missed.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, January 18, 2015 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Marsh Funeral
Home, 110 Main Street, Luckey, OH.
A memorial service will be conducted on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran
Church, Stony Ridge, OH. Officiating will be Rev. Daniel Beaudoin.
Interment will be private in Troy Township Cemetery, Luckey, OH.
A bereavement luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the memorial services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at:
www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
