Dwight "Jack" J. Swanson

The one and only Dwight John “Jack” Swanson, age 77 of Oconomowoc, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his loved ones on Saturday May 27th, 2017. Jack is survived by his soul and spirit-mate of 53 years, L. Karen Swanson and his adored children – Krista, David (Lena), Jeremy (Linda), Jennifer (Kevin), and Jolie. Treasured Papa to Ana, Logan, Owen, Molly, Parker, Grayson, Samuel, Kealani and Kuno and favorite brother to Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents Dwight and Mildred Swanson. Jack was born in the concrete jungles of New Jersey on December 13, 1939. He was a proud Swede and very active in the Swedish Covenant Church growing up. He spent much of his childhood and young adult years traveling to the family cottage in Spread Eagle, WI for summers where he became one of the founders of the Ski-ters Waterski show. His love of sports and the outdoors never stopped. He was an avid competitive tennis player (well into his 60s), runner, cross-country and downhill skier and he loved to organize family basketball or volleyball games. If he wasn’t on the court, he was taking one of his daily walks on wooded paths or relaxing at the water’s edge of his Oconomowoc Lake home, especially at sunset. He was a loyal Badger (season ticket holder for 47 years) and Packer fan. He geared up his car with his favorite paraphernalia for every game and always had his kids or friends in tow. Jack received his BA from North Park College in Chicago and his MA from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He worked as an accountant and stock trader throughout his life. He proudly served his country as an Army Reservist from 1962-1968. Jack married the love of his life by candlelight on September 7th, 1963. Their love for Jesus and people fueled many adventures and ministries. They founded Living Waters Fellowship (an ecumenical charismatic prayer and bible study group) in 1966 which still meets twice a week to this day. Jack and his wife, Karen, helped raise and mentor hundreds of teenagers through the 60s and 70s drug and hippie era. They radically lived out the gospel and dedicated their lives to their ministry. Countless people came to know Jesus personally because of God’s work through Jack and Karen. Jack was one of God’s most brave and faithful servants. His faith never wavered, even in the toughest of times. He authored and published two books, “Farewell to Fences” and “Out of Oconomowoc” detailing his family’s life and ministry. Jack also had a love for history, architecture and antiques. He owned two different antique stores in the Lake Country area in the 70s, the Golden Eagle and the Coach House. Travel and adventure was another important part of Jack’s life and he thoroughly enjoyed planning each new venture. He gave his family the world, literally and figuratively. They covered the globe on numerous vacations, from Europe to Russia to Hawaii to South America to Sweden, and many comedic North America road trips in between. One of Jack’s favorite claims to fame was his uncanny look-a-like to Abraham Lincoln (his favorite historical figure). Jack will be remembered as one of the most kind and gentle souls to ever walk this earth. He blessed us with his fantastic humor, wisdom, generosity, humility, optimism, attention, steadfast faith and incredible zest for life. He was a man after God’s heart and his precious love for Jesus and others influenced our lives completely. He loved his family unconditionally and he had his own special way of making you feel important and loved. He filled our lives in countless ways and in his final days it was our turn to make sure he left this world knowing deep within his soul how incredibly loved he was. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7 A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Nashotah House Seminary – Adam’s Hall (2777 Mission Road, Nashotah WI 53058) on Saturday June 10th at 12:30pm with a visitation for family and friends to start at 11am. Donations can be made to St. Michaels Anglican Church (1234 Saratoga Pkwy. Oconomowoc, WI 53066 – www.stmichaelsanglican.church) or Teen Challenge (www.teenchallengeonline.com).