Joseph James Swik, 95, of Maynard departed this life on June 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Joe was born in Milwaukee, WI., to the late Joseph Michael Swik and Sadie Harrod Swik on June 23, 1929. He attended Gesu Grade School in Milwaukee until his family moved to Union Grove WI in 1941 where he attended Thrifty-Six School and graduated from Union Grove High School, Class of 1947. He worked in local businesses and farms until enlisting in the U.S. Army on March 27, 1951. He served with the 8111th Signal Corp in Okinawa, Japan, and in the Reserves before being honorably discharged as a Corporal on March 22, 1957, earning the Army of Occupation Medal for Japan. He started working for family-owned Nagle-Hart Caterpillar Company (which became Fabick Cat) in Milwaukee in 1953, retiring in 1996 after 43 years as a heavy equipment diesel mechanic. He married Patracia O'Conner Shanahan in July 1954, and they settled outside Union Grove on part of the Swik family farm. They were married for 54 years until she passed in 2009. After retirement, Joe and Pat relocated to a farm in Arkansas for better weather. In his later years, Joe enjoyed spending time with family, hobby farming, car rides to check out local crops, visiting local historic sites, playing dominoes and watching the news and British mystery shows.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws William and Margaret Shanahan, wife, Patracia, and great-grandson, Abel.

He is survived by his three daughters, Bridget (Kurt) Klawitter of Salem WI, Marshalynn Swik of Maynard AR, and Michaelann Swik of Pocahontas; grandsons William and Joseph J.; brother Ron of Kingwood TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has been chosen as final disposition. Services pending for inurnment in the family plot at St Mary Cemetery in Kansasville WI in fall. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to St. Bernards Medical Center ICU, Jonesboro AR especially Dr. Ali and nurses Jeremy, Brent, and Jamie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Union Grove High School c/o Agriculture Program (3433 S. Colony Avenue, Union Grove WI 53182) or Ground Zero Veterans Outreach (1011 Main St, Union Grove, WI 53182).