Albert Swartz

Albert Swartz was born in Gackle, N.D., Nov. 13, 1932, to Walter and Anna (Wiitala) Swartz. He was the ninth out of 12 children. 
He joined the Navy Sept. 23, 1952, where he served on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged April 16, 1956. After he was discharged he moved to South Dakota, where he had various jobs. He was hired by  the Forest Service as a seasonal worker that then turned into full-time position in the maintenance department. He retired from the Forest Service in 1992.
On June 30, 1984, he married Carol (Bland) McLaughlin and with this marriage he gained two sons, John and Ray.
Bert was known as loving, considerate, humble, kind and a giving mentor. He was a man of fierce integrity. His sense of humor was like sunshine, suddenly peeking from behind a cloud. He was an avid fisherman and goose and deer hunter. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. His grandchildren were the absolute light of his life. This family was lucky to have him as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Bert, of Custer, S.D., died peacefully in his home July 10,  2020,  surrounded by his family. He was 87.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; brother, Wally Swartz of Spearfish, S.D.; sons, John (Lesia) McLaughlin of Rapid City, S.D., and Ray (Dawn) McLaughlin of Custer; grandchildren,  Colton (Julie) McLaughlin of Gillette, Wyo., Cody McLaughlin of Custer, Klacy (Cody) Domina of Edgemont, S.D., and Kendra (Jason) Michel of Harrisburg, S.D.; great-granddaughters, Kinsley McLaughlin and Raelynn Domina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Pringle Cemetery with graveside services at 10 a.m. July 16. Please practice social distancing.
Memorial donations may be sent in Albert Swartz’s name to the VFW. 
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.

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