Jerry G. Swander

Jerry Swander of Bascom, OH left this life on earth on Sunday April 10, 2022 (Palm Sunday) at the age of 81 at Stein Hospice Care Center in Sandusky, following a fulfilling life, and short, courageous, journey with cancer.

Jerry was born on July 30, 1940 to Harold and Catherine (Stever) Swander.  He married the love of his life, Phyllis Rose Hoover, on November 26, 1959 at St. Patrick’s Church, Bascom. They shared their days together for more than 62 years.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Swander of Bascom; sons, Randy (Genise) of Canton and Steve Swander ( + Tracy) of Attica; daughters, Karen (Bruce Bolen) Swander of Bascom, and Diane Swander of Cleveland Heights; brother, Jim Swander of Pinedale, AZ; sisters-in law, Kay Swander of Laguna Woods, CA, and Lynn Hoover of Bascom; brother-in-law, John (Marg) Hoover of Bascom; grandchildren, Justin Swander of Tiffin, Wesley (Karena) Swander of Tiffin, Jessica Swander of Canton, Zachary (Neidalis) Swander of Canton; Joshua (Angela) Swander of Medina; Corey (Terese) Depinet of Tiffin; Joshua Depinet of Tiffin; and 16 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Autumn, Brody, Jordan, Josh, Carrigan, Benjamin, Maxwell, Melanie, McKenna, Braylen, Jaron, Kiera, Blake, Ally, and Elana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pearl Hepp; brother, Daryl Swander; daughter-in-law, Tracy Swander; brothers-in-law, Jim Hoover, Joe Hoover, John Hepp, Olie Saum and Lou Audritsh; sisters-in-law, Anne Monaco, Mary Saum, Helen Audritsh, Marty Swander, and Mary Hoover.

Jerry graduated from Columbian High School Class of 1958 and attended The Ohio State University. 

Jerry was fulfilled by his life’s work. As a young boy he delivered the Cleveland Plain Dealer and worked summers at Jolly’s.  His before-and-after school job at Wag’s Place Truckstop allowed him to buy a new 1957 Chevy before graduation. He began his adult working career at National Machinery, and eventually followed in his dad’s footsteps to become an owner-operator, distributing Ballreich’s Potato Chips for 42 years.

Jerry had a lifelong passion for farming that led to the purchase of the France Stone Quarry Farm outside Bascom where you could find him mowing for hours on end with a smile on his face.

Jerry was a man of dedication and service to community. He was affiliated with many community, civic, and educational groups and was always willing to volunteer for any community project in ways big and small.  For more than 50 years he served as a member of the Bascom Lion’s Club, and until his death he proudly served for 48 years as a board member of the Bascom Mutual Telephone Company.

Jerry was an avid bowler, bridge player, and historian.  He enjoyed cards, Sudoku, yard games, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, reminiscing with classmates at the Class of 1958 luncheons, sharing summer holidays at the Quarry and morning breakfasts at Frisch’s Big Boy with friends. Jerry was a member of All Saints Parish (formerly St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bascom).

Most of all, Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa.  His love for family was boundless and unconditional and he loved to show all his family how much he loved each of them. He was never without a smile, always had a listening ear, helping hand, or hug. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bascom Lion’s Club, Friends of Meadowbrook Park, Stein Hospice, or Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment (FACT – Seneca County).

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 4-7:00 P.M. at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S Washington St, Tiffin, OH 44883, (419) 447-2424.  A graveside service will be held at Sandridge Cemetery, 6070 W. Tiffin Street, Bascom, on Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Art Niewiadomski officiating.  

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends and family for the outpouring of love offered through cards, meals, flowers, prayers, and to the compassionate caregivers at Stein Hospice.

Condolences may be sent, and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.

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