1931
Gene
2016
Gene Swertzic
January 8, 1931 — July 2, 2016
Gene J. Swertzic of Columbus died Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Golden Living Center in Columbus.
Gene J. Swertzic was born January 9, 1931 in Merrick County, Silver Creek, NE to John B. and Clara (Miller) Swertzic. He grew up on the farm west of Silver Creek and graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1948.
In 1952, Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 752nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion from July 1952 until his honorable discharge in June of 1954. He was a Corporal and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After graduating from basic training at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX, he served at Ft Ord Army base in Oakland, CA, where he was in charge of the Motor Pool. He graduated from specialty technical mechanic school at Ft. Ord and advanced mechanic school at Ft. Baker, CA. He also served 6 years in the Army Reserves. Gene received the Good Conduct medal, the National Defense Service Medal, sharpshooter badge, rifle bar, marksmanship badge and carbine bar.
On September 11, 1954, Gene was united in marriage to Davida V. Gilliland at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn, NE. He worked for Grant Chevrolet in Fremont until returning to the farm near Silver Creek in 1957. He farmed west of Silver Creek until moving to Columbus in 2007.
Gene was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Silver Creek where he served on the Parish Council. He also served on the: Farmers Co-op Oil Board, Farmers Co-op Elevator Board, and the Prairie Creek Township Board. He was a lifetime member of the Silver Creek American Legion where he served on the Honor Guard. He was a member of the Merrick County Cattle Feeders Association and the National Cattleman Association.
Gene enjoyed John Deere equipment, Chevy pickups, playing cards, western movies, coffee with his buddies, traveling, and most importantly spending time with his family.
Gene is survived by:
Wife Davida V. Swertzic of Columbus, NE
Son, Timothy (Lori) Swertzic of Silver Creek, NE
Daughter, Debra Pratt of Kearney, NE
Daughter, Deanna Swertzic of Elkhorn, NE
3 Granddaughters, Megan (Kyle) Hatch, Erika (Corey) McKeon, and Lauren (Mason) Doughty
2 Great Grandchildren, Kinsley and Knox Hatch
Sister, Sandra Strong of Silver Creek, NE
Several Nieces and Nephews
He is preceded in death by:
Parents John B. and Clara J. Swertzic
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.
Gene J. Swertzic was born January 9, 1931 in Merrick County, Silver Creek, NE to John B. and Clara (Miller) Swertzic. He grew up on the farm west of Silver Creek and graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1948.
In 1952, Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 752nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion from July 1952 until his honorable discharge in June of 1954. He was a Corporal and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After graduating from basic training at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX, he served at Ft Ord Army base in Oakland, CA, where he was in charge of the Motor Pool. He graduated from specialty technical mechanic school at Ft. Ord and advanced mechanic school at Ft. Baker, CA. He also served 6 years in the Army Reserves. Gene received the Good Conduct medal, the National Defense Service Medal, sharpshooter badge, rifle bar, marksmanship badge and carbine bar.
On September 11, 1954, Gene was united in marriage to Davida V. Gilliland at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn, NE. He worked for Grant Chevrolet in Fremont until returning to the farm near Silver Creek in 1957. He farmed west of Silver Creek until moving to Columbus in 2007.
Gene was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Silver Creek where he served on the Parish Council. He also served on the: Farmers Co-op Oil Board, Farmers Co-op Elevator Board, and the Prairie Creek Township Board. He was a lifetime member of the Silver Creek American Legion where he served on the Honor Guard. He was a member of the Merrick County Cattle Feeders Association and the National Cattleman Association.
Gene enjoyed John Deere equipment, Chevy pickups, playing cards, western movies, coffee with his buddies, traveling, and most importantly spending time with his family.
Gene is survived by:
Wife Davida V. Swertzic of Columbus, NE
Son, Timothy (Lori) Swertzic of Silver Creek, NE
Daughter, Debra Pratt of Kearney, NE
Daughter, Deanna Swertzic of Elkhorn, NE
3 Granddaughters, Megan (Kyle) Hatch, Erika (Corey) McKeon, and Lauren (Mason) Doughty
2 Great Grandchildren, Kinsley and Knox Hatch
Sister, Sandra Strong of Silver Creek, NE
Several Nieces and Nephews
He is preceded in death by:
Parents John B. and Clara J. Swertzic
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gene Swertzic, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Vigil
St. Isidore Catholic Church
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Isidore Catholic Church
Graveside Service
St. Lawrence Cemetery
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