John W. Swatek II of Lee’s Summit passed away on June 17, 2023. He was born on Feb. 9, 1945 in Davenport, Iowa, to Jack and Margaret (Bruce) Swatek.
He was a proud graduate of Mexico High School in Mexico, Mo., where he played football and would continue playing football at the University of Missouri. During college he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam, Okinawa, and Japan.
After returning home he completed his degree at the University of Missouri; he married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Shoemaker) Swatek and had a son and two daughters. Together, they would move 14 times during his career with John Deere. As president and owner of Mid-America Industrial Equipment Company, he and his family spent most of those years in the Blue Springs and Sunrise Beach area. After retirement, he would take on the ranching business for almost 15 years at his favorite place, Deere Valley Ranch.
He was a big supporter of all things Mizzou, weekends at the lake, John Deere, and the Marine Corps. Most importantly, he was a proud dad and grandad. His big heart, funny stories and sense of humor will forever be missed. His canine companions were dear to him. Molly girl will stay behind with Karen, but we know Dozer is on a long walk with him now.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack W. Swatek. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, of 56 years. Survivors also include son Justin Swatek (Jen) of Denver, Colo., daughters Allison (Adam) Minks of Lee’s Summit, and Megan (Ryan) Yagelski of Dallas, Texas. He was the proud grandad to Colton, Summer, Maren, and Lane. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret B. Swatek of Mexico and two sisters.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The church is located at 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. A reception will follow, to be held at the Stanley Historic Event Space from 12:30-2:30 p.m., 308 SE Douglas Street, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64063.
A burial service will be held in Mexico at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the Semper Fi Fund in honor of John Swatek, https://thefund.org/donate/.
