John F. Swartz

John F. Swartz, 68, of LaSalle, passed away April 15, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday in the Hurst Funeral Home in LaSalle with the Rev Marc Strand officiating. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Spring Valley with full military services conducted by the LaSalle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of services.

John was born on November 25, 1952 to James and Shirley (Gerrard) Swartz. Fresh out of high school, John joined the Navy for 8 years, where he received a medal of honor for his courage in saving the life of a civilian during a typhoon in Japan. Faith, courage, strength, and overwhelming generosity were his greatest attributes. Nobody loved his friends and family more than John. After the Navy, John pursued a career with the Oglesby Postal Service until his retirement. He then worked part time for Westphal Amusements. As a boy, he became the youngest person in Boy Scouts of America to achieve the honor of Eagle Scout. In high school, he was a great track and field athlete. Throughout his accomplishments in life, the biggest one of all, is that he was an example of a really good person, with a great sense of humor. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him well. He enjoyed fishing, dancing, reading, gardening, nature, and a good home cooked meal.

John is survived by his sister Susan Swartz of LaSalle and a brother James Swartz of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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