Obituary: Christopher Swantek, 61, of Fountain

Christopher “Swan” Swantek

Obituary: Christopher Swantek, 61, of Fountain

“Some will walk through the pearly gates, some will ride”

On October 11, 1962, the city of Chicago shook as Judy and Peter Swantek brought their first Catholic-born son, Christopher Edward, into the world.  Peter and Judy had two more sons, brothers of Christopher, Edward and Steven Swantek.  After the loss of her husband and father of her boys, Judy gathered her family and moved, settling in, to the Tallman area, Sheridan Township (Fountain) where Chris continued to reside the remainder of his life.
The name Christopher didn’t last long before he acquired his nickname “Swan” while attending Mason County Eastern High School. Swan went on to graduate in 1980 and from there he began to live his adult life as a resident of Mason County.  Within six years of graduation, Swan met Raneen Parker (Berg) and within a short time, Swan and Raneen were blessed with their son Brandon Christopher on November 27, 1990. Swan and Raneen also had a son Peter Fredrick who passed away at birth.

Swan began his career search in order to support his new family.  He dabbled in welding, woodworking, contracting and machining but realized he was a mechanic at heart and a millwright by trade. The two worlds collided at Changeover Integration in 2011 where he found his forever home and could excel in his passion. He frequently spoke about how thankful he was to find something he truly loved to do!
Swan was always up to something, if he wasn’t traveling for work or hanging at the “Swanderosa”, he would be hard to find! He could be out fishing at the Mapleleaf, kayaking, catching a sunrise from a tree in Ward Hills, panning for gold in South Dakota, skydiving, cheering on his Cubs in Chicago or riding his Victory motorcycle with his best friend and son, Brandon. Between Sturgis, Daytona, and other motorcycle events, the two were always ready to ride!
Although Swan was a man of many trades and hobbies, he had two true passions; being a great friend and carrying on his “biker” legacy.  He loved the wind in his face and the roar of his Victory! There wasn’t a time he wasn’t there to lend a hand to a friend in need. After the loss of his best friends, Johnny B and Brad, he realized it was time for a change. It was then he decided to make the most of the life God gave him and to never take a single second for granted.  Swan believed our time here was all about lessons, and he taught us plenty! As he was an outstanding cook and gardener, he rarely ate dinner alone.  Friends and family would gather frequently for home cooked recipes and his famous Christmas candy around the holidays.  Classic rock and classic movies were frequent flyers at the “Swanderosa”, and it would always take you back to when times were simple.  Swan’s door was always open sharing his home with friends and family over the years, a true shepherd of his flock!
On February 21, 2024, Christopher was graciously welcomed in heaven with a hug from his son Peter, his father Peter, and his grandmother Peggy.  Johnny B, Brad and Moon were all patiently waiting close by on their bikes for Swans first ride on the streets of gold.
Christopher will be missed dearly by his mother Judy, his brothers Edward Swantek, Steven Swantek and Brian Holden along with his daughter in law Ashleigh, many friends and extended family but most of all by his son Brandon.

Brandon would like to thank Dan and Julie Sarto for the extended support they have given the family and all they have done and continue to do for his dad, Swan.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington. A celebration of life will be held mid-May during the Blessing of the Bikes Weekend 2024, more information will be provided at a later time.

The family is accepting memorial donations to assist with expenses, donations may be made out to Brandon Swantek.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.