The Preston-Hanley Story

Gerald A. Swardenski

12/6/1940 - 6/2/2010

GLASFORD ~ Gerald A. Swardenski, 69, of 29677 East Phillips Road, passed away at 4:13 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Heartland Healthcare Center in Canton.

Born December 6, 1940 in Peoria to Gordon and Violet (Street) Swardenski, he married Nancy Jo Albertsen in Peoria. She died January 25, 2006 in Glasford. He also was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother.

Surviving are four sons, Todd G. Swardenski, Timothy A. (Angel) Swardenski and Thomas G. (Lindsey) Swardenski, all of Glasford and Travis U.J. Swardenski of Camden; two daughters, Kristina J. Swardenski of Glasford and Katrisha D. E. (Michael) Thomas of Ventura, CA; eleven grandchildren, Todd G. Swardenski, Jr., Nicole J. Swardenski, Brett W. Swardenski, Gloria Jean Swardenski, Jaelyn M. Swardenski, Laenie A. Swardenski, Lexie A. Swardenski, Haedyn J.D. Jett, Chance D. Jett, Kendyl G. Swardenski and Benjamin D. Thomas; one brother, James R. (Cindy) Swardenski of Richmond, IN and one sister, Mary Jean Swardenski of Peoria. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Delores E. "Dee" Albertsen of Pekin.

He proudly served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne, Company A, 506th Infantry.

Jerry was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 34 in Peoria. He also owned and operated the family farm.

He was a former private pilot and skydiver. He also was a past 12 year member of the Illini Bluffs School District 327 Board of Education. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Canton.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 6, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Paul D. Cook will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lancaster Cemetery in Glasford, with military rites accorded by Glasford American Legion Post 35.

Memorial contributions may be made to Timber-Hollis Fire Protection District, 306 South Glasford Road, Glasford, IL 61533 or a charity of the donor's choice.