William “Bill” Swaar

William Dono Swaar, 60, of Mason City, IL passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born October 18, 1953 in Springfield, the son of C. Mac and Elsie Montgomery Swaar. He met the love of his life, Kathy, at a high school music contest in the spring of 1971 and married her on June 16, 1972 in Cantrall, IL.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Kathy of Mason City, his son Matthew, (Deborah), of Crofton, Maryland; his daughter Lisa, (Charles) Steffens of Lakeland, Florida; sister Anna Marie (Darrel) Behrends of Mason City; brothers Robert M. (Sarah Jane) of Greenview, and John of Shelbyville, along with a large network of extended family and friends. He adored his grandchildren Sean Thomas Holden, Nicholas Anthony, Hannah Grace and Graham Bradley Fougerousse, Molly Ann Steffens, and Clark William Marshall Swaar. Great-grandson Levi Thomas Holden is expected in July.

At the time of his death, Bill was a farmer, a pastor, and a GIAC certified computer consultant, whose passions were many and varied. He was a skilled musician, an avid fisherman, a world traveler, and a die-hard Cub fan. By far the most important things to Bill were the people in his life, and his quick wit, his sense of fairness, his fierce optimism, and his laughter will be missed by all who knew him. The faith, hope and love with which he lived his life were gifts of grace that will be cherished by his family forever.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mott and Henning Funeral Home, Athens, IL, where friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 17. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 18 at the Indian Point Presbyterian Church, Athens, IL, with The Rev. Julie Wells Blythe officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Indian Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indian Point Presbyterian Church, 24562 Indian Point Ave., Athens, IL. 62613, which Bill lovingly served as Pastor for nearly 20 years. The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the entire St. John’s Hospice staff for the loving and compassionate care Bill received during the last weeks of his life.