I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Lou. The pictures give us a glimpse into a happy marriage and a beautiful family. I would have expected no less for you because of your sense of fun and loyalty. May God bless you as you walk through your grief at the loss of your life partner.
John L. Sworski
July 11, 1942 – August 27, 2020
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of John L. Sworski, 78, of St. Cloud will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in St. Cloud. John passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer. Rev. Scott Pogatchnik and Rev. Robert Harren will con-celebrate. Entombment will be in Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum, St. Cloud.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be held 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
John was born on July 11, 1942 in St. Cloud to John C. and Anna (Augustinack) Sworski. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School with the class of 1960. In his earlier years, he was an ambulance driver for Granite City Ambulance and drove part time for St. Cloud Funeral Car Service. He began work in general construction before beginning a 35-year career as a plumber/pipefitter at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.
John married Mary Lou Ranweiler on June 26, 1965 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. For 32 years, the family made their home at Almosta Ranch near Kimball, before retiring to St. Cloud. He was a member of St. John Cantius Parish where he served as an usher; and a 50+ year member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5548. In his retirement, John enjoyed volunteering over 2500 hours at the St. Cloud VA. Some of his favorite things were listening to polka and older country music and Christmas (especially lighting up his outdoor nativity scene). John played Santa Claus for private parties and at the mall for many years. He loved anything John Deere and got his walking miles in at Menards and Harbor Freight. His family meant the world to him and he treasured his grandchildren and the joy they brought him.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Lou; children, Bob (Stephanie) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Sue (Paul) Massmann of Luxemburg/Kimball, Lori (Glen) Litke of St. Cloud, Mike (Shelly) of Richmond, John (Jannell) of Eau Claire, WI; grandchildren, Erik, Megan, Josh and Kate Sworski, Matthew (Casey), Jonathan, Andrew and Jacqueline Massmann, Cole and Brooke Sworski, Mya Patterson; In-laws, N. A. Kiess, Ron (Rosemary) Ranweiler, Mike (Kathy) Ranweiler, Joe (Liz) Ranweiler, Kathy (Bob) Juetten, Dan (Deb) Ranweiler, Tim (Carol) Ranweiler; and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Wally (Marilyn) and Frances Kiess; and parents-in-laws, Elmer (Eunice) Ranweiler.
A heartfelt thank you to the staffs of the St. Cloud Hospital and CentraCare Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Guestbook
Dearest Mary Lou,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, John, of 55 years. I watched the Photo Tribute. It looks like you have a lot of good memories. May they bring you much comfort & peace in this time of sorrow.
You still have that beautiful smile. I will lift you and your family in my prayers.
Hugs,
Colette
Deepest sympathies from Lee and I. It’s so hard to lose a husband and father. When you have days where your grief seems overwhelming, may all your wonderful memories replace your tears of sorrow with tears of joy for having John in your lives. It was so funny the first time Lee met John. Afterward Lee told me, “I think he likes to bulls#@* as much as I do!”. I think those two could have talked for hours!! Prayers to all of you.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Sworksi family today at the sudden loss of John. So glad that I had the opportunity to visit with him last year at Delmar and Marlene’s anniversary party. He had many tales to tell. In fact, I’m not sure that I was ever able to finish any of my thoughts because when I spoke it triggered something new that he needed to say. Ha. That’s okay. He was fun and entertaining and I’m sure you will miss him deeply. Wishing you comfort to get through this difficult time. Take care, Mary Sellner Orr
John took me under his wing many, many years ago while we were playing amateur baseball on the same team (Donovan Sausage sponsored our team). I was 4 years younger than John. But he would always pick me up for games in his immaculately clean Chevrolet. He was like a Big Brother to me. And an excellent role model. I idolized him. Lost contact with him over the years, but thought of him often. He had a big influence on my life. He was one of the ‘Good Guys’ that came into my life!
Even after all these years without contact, I still Love the heck out of you.
Thanks “John Boy”
Jim Turck
I’m correcting my previous entry. I’m so sorry!! I called Mary Lou, Mary Ann. I’m not sure why I did that. I just watched the tribute video. It was beautiful and made smile and cry. Hugs from me
John was the head of a fabulous family. He and his beautiful wife, Mary Lou, raised great children that grew into fantastic adults. It was such a pleasure when I ran into him at the VA. He always had a smile, a joke, and a good Polish pearl of wisdom! He will be missed. He will never be forgotten. You have my deepest sympathies and prayers. Love to you all! -Becky Czech
Services
Visitation
Daniel Funeral Home, St. CloudServices
St. John Cantius Catholic ChurchSchedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of John L. Sworski, 78, of St. Cloud will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in St. Cloud. John passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer. Rev. Scott Pogatchnik and Rev. Robert Harren will con-celebrate. Entombment will be in Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum, St. Cloud.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be held 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.