Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

John W. Swanger

John W. Swanger, age 45, of Linwood Court, died at his home Thursday, May 8, 2008 after a 20 month battle with brain cancer.

John was born January 20, 1963 in Shelby. He was a 1981 graduate of Shelby High School and earned a BS in Business from Mt. Vernon Nazarene College. John was employed at Arcelormittal in Shelby (The Tuby) since 1985. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Shelby, Shelby Country Club Twilight Golf League, and was a former treasurer of the Shelby Athletic Boosters. He enjoyed golf and flying. As a pilot, John held a private and instrument license. John’s home was a welcoming place, always full of friends and family. John had a tremendous work ethic and took great pride in building his home and tending to it. The hardest thing for John to accept during his illness was the acceptance of others doing things for him, as he was always the first to respond to anyone in need.

John is survived by his wife, Julie K. (Harshbarger) Swanger, whom he wed on October 8, 1983; his daughters, Kayla M. Swanger, a student at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio and Erica L. Swanger, a student at Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio; his parents, James L. and Beverly J. (Wenning) Swanger of Shelby; 2 brothers, James L. Swanger, Jr. and Liz Brown of Shelby and Jeffery L. Swanger of Louisville, KY; his paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Esther (Kegley) Swanger of Shelby; his mother –in-law and father-in-law, David and Nancy Harshbarger of Shelby; a sister-in-law, Jill and Ray Ryan of New York;5 nephews, Curtis, Keith, and Cory Swanger of Shelby, Conner and Liam Ryan of New York; Marvin Jose Jr. and Shannon Foley, who grew up with him more like sibling than cousins; Many other beloved aunts, uncles and cousins; a host of supporting neighbors and friends; and his canine buddies, Cyrus and Harley. John was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Vella (Thrush) Wenning.

Friends may call on Monday, May 12, 2008 from 3-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby and on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 from noon until 2PM at the First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 PM at the church conducted by Rev. Gail Angel. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Memorial expressions may be made to The Cleveland Clinic Brain and Tumor Institute or Hospice Of North Central Ohio and left in care of the funeral home. The family would appreciate on-line condolences at penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Guest says:

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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Edie Bly

    Condolence:

    My friends Julie, Erica, and Kayla,

    I am here for you. Yesterday, today, and all the tomorrows we’re fortunate enough to be blessed with.

    Much Love,
    Edie
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    Family_of: Juliey Swanger
    Your_Name: Linda Brown

    Condolence:

    Julie and girls,
    I am so sorry to hear about John. He was such a sweet man–a good husband and father. I will never forget all the great times at your house (the one on Whitney, too!). I will see you soon. Please know how much you are loved.

    Linda
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Beth & Michael Knight

    Condolence:

    Julie, We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Although we didn’t know you well, your family has been in our thoughts and prayers throughout this long journey and we want you to know that we will continue to keep you in our prayers during the days to come.
    Beth and Mike
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    Family_of: JOHN SWANGER
    Your_Name: SUE YOUNG

    Condolence:

    JULIE, KAYLA, AND ERICA,
    SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THINGS. JOHN WILL TRUELY BE MISSED AS HE WAS A VERY LOVING, CARING, AND FUN MAN. YOU GUYS MEAN SO MUCH TO US ALL AND ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE, SCOTT, SUE, AND ALEXIS YOUNG
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Ann Imhoff

    Condolence:

    Julie and girls
    I am so very sorry. John fought a great battle along with your help!! My boys, Colton and Jacob, had so much fun at your home with you and John.. He treated them like his own.
    Please know that he is in a better place and at peace.
    With Love to all
    Ann

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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Jen Guisinger

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla and Erica…Bev and Jim…my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I know John is with the Lord for he was a wonderful man. I know there must be much pain and sorrow in your hearts but I know your faith is strong and will help you along the way. So sorry I did not get to visit him in the last couple weeks of his life. With love,
    Jen

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    Family_of: Julie, Kayla, and Erica , and family
    Your_Name: Pam Sweeney
    Condolence:

    Dear, Julie,Kayla, and Erica

    I will always remember John as a harder worker, and his smiles,
    he loved you all so much, please cherish all you memories, I will as I saw him at church, and at the shop, he loved everything he did, and I know he loved you all so much, and
    is friends.You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God be with you all.

    Love you all
    Pam

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    Family_of:
    Your_Name: Keisha (Goble) Beverly

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla and Erica,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. No amount of words will help stop the hurt or make it easy at this time, but knowing that there are people who care about you and will be here for you at your time of pain and loss will help find some comfort. May God bless and be with your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Keisha (Goble) Beverly & Family
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Nichole Swanger and Family

    Condolence:

    I am glad to know how blessed you were while John was here. We all aspire to have that kind of love and life.

    You are all in our prayers.

    Love
    Nichole, Dave, Megan, Jackson and Carter.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: DeeDee and Fred
    Condolence:

    Julie, Erica and Kayla,
    We just learned of John’s passing, and my heart aches! As I think about him, all the way back to high school, I think of his smile – I don’t believe I ever saw him without one! Our prayers are with you (and have been). May your heart mend and your memories stay strong.
    With Deepest Sympathy, Fred and DeeDee

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    Family_of: JOHN SWANGER
    Your_Name: MANDY JOHNSON

    Condolence:

    JULIE AND GIRLS,
    I’M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
    MANDY

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    Family_of: Family of John Swanger
    Your_Name: Cathy & Dan Magers

    Condolence:

    Our sympathies to Julie, daughters and your families.

    We are deeply touched by your loss.

    (We are Joey Balliett’s grandparents. Former in-laws of Billi Hanlon).
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Jari Amburgey

    Condolence:

    Julie and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just talked to your dad the other day at the License Bureau. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in your time of need.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Mike Arnold

    Condolence:

    I heard of John passing away. I am so sorry and I had allot of good memories of John at the many gatherings at your always welcome home. He will be truly missed and God be with you and your family in this trying time. Your in my prayers.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Glenda

    Condolence:

    Jeff,

    Julie, Kayla and Erica,
    I am so sorry to hear about John. God bless all of you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    ~glenda
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    Family_of: JohnSwanger
    Your_Name: Sherrie Dennis

    Condolence:

    dear, Julie,
    I met you at Carol Edgar’s house and just wanted to send you my condolences and prayers for you and your family.
    May God comfort you,
    Sherrie
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    Family_of: Julie Swanger
    Your_Name: Ronald and Afo Gean Jones

    Condolence:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Lisa, Jamie, Gabriel & Daniel Heydinger

    Condolence:

    Dear Julie, Kayla and Erica,
    We have held your family in our thoughts and prayers the past few months. No words can express how sorry we are for your loss. John was truly a special guy. What a courageous battle you all fought together. We hope and pray that your memories will be an inspiration for you. May God and friends continue to comfort you and your family. Please know that many of us are praying for you all.

    God Bless
    Lisa Heydinger
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Gary Bonney

    Condolence:

    To All
    Cant ever forget great times waiting for John and playing partners to come back in club early mornings for him to pester all When I worked for David at SCC I knew then He was a good Man and Dad
    May the Lord keep his hand on all your family
    Gary Bonney

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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Barbara Parsons Fensch

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla, Erica, and family,

    So very sorry to hear about John passing. I understand how hard it is to lose your love one to a brain disease.

    John was a wonderful husband and dad, during his life. Julie, I was remembering how he patiently & quietly stayed in the background to help while we helped the girls at Russell School events and all the dance recitals. John thoroughly enjoyed watching you girls. He was a blessing to all and the community.

    Kayla dear, It is sad to realize 3 of you, “Best Friends”, have lossed your dads – you, my Lindsay and Lindsey N. – at such a young age. You know the girls will be there to help you and Erica.

    John will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to all his family, and I pray that cherished memories will bring you peace.

    May God wrap you in His loving arms and comfort you durning this time and always.

    Love,
    Barbara Parsons Fensch

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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: John, Stephanie, Jeannine and Tara Philpott

    Condolence:

    Julie, Erica, and Kayla,

    We are so sorry to learn of John’s passing. The Murray’s have kept us posted on his courageous battle. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and the girls.

    John was a unique guy who befriended everyone and always had that smile of instant friendship. You guys were very lucky to have had him as a husband and a dad. We were all very fortunate to be able to call him friend! Something that we will always hold close to our hearts. He was a great guy!

    Love; The Philpott’s

    Nova Scotia, Canada

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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Cassie Hicks

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla, and Erica,
    My heart truly goes out to the three of you! John was a great person and will always be remembered through you! Julie, you are one of the strongest women I know, and you can see it through the beautiful girls you have, you will get through this and John will always be looking down on you. Kayla, I’ll always remember the first time I came to your house and I asked why you never told me you had a brother…funny stuff! Your entire family is in my prayers!
    Much love,
    Cass
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Paul, Maura, Annie and Meggie Weithman

    Condolence:

    Dear Julie, Kayla and Erica,

    You (and all of John’s family and friends) are very much in our thoughts and prayers. We know what a difficult time this has been and we wish you peace and healing in the days ahead.

    Missy, Paul, Annie and Meggie (Ray Ryan’s sister and family)
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Katie Schnurrenberger

    Condolence:

    Erica and the Swanger Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you are comforted by your faith and by all of your wonderful memories.

    Coach Schnurrenberger
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Michael Kleman

    Condolence:

    Julie and family,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I know you’ll make it through these hard times. God bless.

    Michael
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    Family_of: Wills
    Your_Name: Sue

    Condolence:

    Julie & family,

    John fought a long hard battle. He had an infectious laugh that you always wanted to be around (especially Geoff). Working with him was a joy, we will all miss him greatly. We are selfish people but we know that John is no longer suffering and that is comforting to all. Our prayers go out to you and your family as the days ahead will be rough.

    Love to all

    Sue and Dale
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    Family_of: Julie and Girls
    Your_Name: Jodi (Tonkin) Mott

    Condolence:

    Julie and Girls,

    I have been praying for all of you and was so sorry to hear of your loss. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God’s blessings, Jodi
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    Family_of: Julie and Girls
    Your_Name: The Ryans in Delaware

    Condolence:

    Dear Julie and Girls

    Words can’t even begin to express our sadness for you and your family. Please know that ALL OF OUR LOVE and PRAYERS are with you now and always.

    Dave, Sue, Sarah, Mary, and Buddy
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Ed and Jean Russell

    Condolence:

    Julie and Family:

    We are sorry to hear of John’s passing. We hope you take solice knowing he is now at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Ed and Jean Russell
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Vickie Dillon & Family

    Condolence:

    Our sympathies to Julie, his daughters and the family. May God bless all of you during this difficult time, and comfort you in your time of need. May your memories help to comfort you & bring you peace as you heal from your loss. Our thoughts and prayers with be with all of you.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Rhonda Holbrook

    Condolence:

    Dear Jim, Bev, Julie and girls:

    We’re so sorry to learn of Johnnie’s passing. He was a great guy, husband and father. He always had a nice smile on his face. We will never forget the funny times at the beauty shop with him. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. John’s feet have landed on the streets of gold now and he has heard the words well done my good and faithful servant. We love you all!
    Love,
    Richard, Rhonda & family
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Ruth Swanger

    Condolence:

    As I have read your letters of strenght throughout your time of endurance, I have come to understand your inner strengths and love of God and family, and my prayers have been with all of you for some time now. May God keep you close and give you an inner peace at a time such as this.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Lisa McGinnis

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla, and Erica,

    So sorry to hear about John’s passing. As you know, he is in a better place and is no longer suffering.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

    Ron, Lisa, Adam, and Megan
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Kurt & Sheila Copeland

    Condolence:

    Julie and family:
    Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this heartwrenching time.
    I remember our days back in high school, and how you and John were always together. Some people search a lifetime for what you and John shared together.
    May the wonderful memories you made together, always be a comfort to you and your beautiful girls!
    God Bless!
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Alex Waldruff

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla, Erica:

    I am very sorry for your loss. These past few months have been filled with tragedy, but we must know that God will give us strength to persevere. I pray that He will comfort you in your time of grieving.

    Alex
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Jen Kleman

    Condolence:

    Julie & Girls,
    I’m very sorry to hear that John passed away. He’ll be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Just remember he’ll always be with you and Kayla and Erica every moment of everyday. Take care.

    God Bless you and your family.

    Jen Kleman
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Cheryl & John Depler

    Condolence:

    Julie and Family (and to your parents),

    Our sincerest condolences for John’s passing. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Bill and Fran Schroeder

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla, Erica,
    Please accept our sympathy on your loss. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers, if we can do anything please let us know.
    Sincerely,

    Fran, Bill and Boys
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Kimberly & Monty Langston

    Condolence:

    Julie, Kayla & Erica,
    I am sending you prayers for your comfort & strength. I was so sad to hear about John. I can’t imagine what all you must be going through. I know he was very loved and the whole town has been involved in an outpouring of support. I hope that offers you some solice in how many other people thought he was special too. Our Sympathies,
    Kimberly & Monty (Lorraine & Chuck’s daughter & husband in Denver)
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    Family_of: John Swanger
    Your_Name: Jennifer Kirk

    Condolence:

    Swanger family,
    John was always surrounded by friends and family who loved him. He had such a positive light about him, which was contagious to all that surrounded him. We miss you, John.

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