Ted Swiontek

ted swiontek

Ted Swiontek passed away at home Thanksgiving Day surrounded by his wife, Loretta, and his family.

Theodore M. Swiontek was born September 29, 1922, in Edgeley ND to Joseph and Mary Magdalene (Tobolski) Swiontek. Ted was the oldest of 10 children. He attended rural school near Edgeley and helped on the family farm, as well as hiring out to area farmers. At age 19, Ted moved to Chicago and worked at a meat packing plant before being drafted into the Army in 1945. He spent 18 months in Japan as part of the Occupation Forces. After his discharge, he returned to Edgeley to farm with his family. Ted married Loretta Ziegler October 9, 1949, at Zion Lutheran Church, Edgeley. He later began working for Parkers Construction Co. in 1948, building power lines for rural electric cooperatives.

Ted and Loretta settled in Edgeley a year later when Ted began his career with James Valley Electric Co-op (which became Dakota Electric Co-op) as a lineman. Their son Steve was born in 1954. Ted was promoted to line superintendent and retired in 1984 after a 34 year career. Ted and Loretta moved to Fargo in 1990, where Ted worked part-time in maintenance at Community Homes until he was 86.

Ted volunteered in the Edgeley Volunteer Fire Dept. for 29 years, served on the Edgeley Park Board, and also on the Zion Lutheran Church Council. In Fargo, Ted was involved in the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church community, serving on the building committee as well as enjoying many church activities.

Ted and Loretta were enthusiastic campers, spending vacations and summers at Ridgewood Campground on Long Lake. Ted loved to fish, teaching his daughter-in-law and granddaughters the art of catching pan fish. Ted would patiently fillet each one until there were enough for a fish fry. Ted and Loretta spent many years at the lake entertaining family, making lifelong friends and enjoying their campfires.

Ted's life reflected his patience and kindness. He comforted and counseled his nurses in the hospital, enjoying their special care and friendship. Ted was so proud of his Polish heritage; he spoke Polish at home until he went to school. Ted also loved a good waltz and polka, teaching the basics to his granddaughters. Accordion music was also a favorite.

Ted truly loved his family and made friends everywhere he went. He was very protective of his "girls":  his wife, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. Ted cherished his roles as husband, father and grandfather. He was determined not to miss anything and pushed himself to enjoy all facets of life until the very end. Our precious husband, father, grandfather showed us how to live with faith, grace, humor and dignity.

Ted is survived by his wife Loretta; son, Steve (MaryAnne); granddaughters, Julie (Jason Gronland) and Laura (Reid Mattson), all of Fargo; sister, Mary Lee Worrel, Berlin, ND; 3 brothers, Richard (Alice), Pelican Rapids, MN; David (Loretta), Oakes, ND; Stanley, Miles City, MT; brothers-in-law, Wilfred (Kathey) Ziegler, Jamestown; Gilbert (Carole) Ziegler, Fargo; and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Lawrence, Victor, Chester, Walter, and Donald.

Ted's family wants to thank Hospice for their support and care. Special thanks to Gail, Leeann, Samantha and Robin. Your efforts allowed us the privilege of caring for Ted at home where he wanted to be. He deeply cared about each of you and you gave him a piece of your heart with your loving attention.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, or the Edgeley Volunteer Fire Department.

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  1. Steve – so sorry to hear of your father’s death. May the Lord surround you with peace and understanding during this time.

  2. Bloomington Minnesota
    Steve,

    So sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how it feels. I lost my Dad a couple of years ago. Know that we are thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

    Phi Alpha,
    Dan

  3. Aurora COSteve,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know the great loss that is in your heart. Remember, the great times you had with your Dad and know he is in a better place.

    Pi Alpha

    Chuck

  4. Fargo ND
    Swiontek Family
    Although I never new Ted. He must have been one heck of a man the way he raised his son Steve!
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

    Sincerely,
    Clay and Judy Whittlesey

  5. Saint Peters MODear Loretta and family,

    I am so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. He was a wonderful family friend, and a former boss of mine, as I worked for him and for James Valley for two summers on the line crew. Ted was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with Loretta, Steve, and family.

  6. seminole flTed was truly an inspiration to us. He really was an example of the world war 2 greater generation. Hard working,involvement in his community and family, always carring his share of the load. What a gentleman! He was our HERO. We will miss him. We loved his humor and attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  7. Edgeley ND
    Dear Loretta, Steve and family: I was so very sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. What a great gentleman he was. He always struck me as an “old soul” – wise, caring, gentle, happy. My 1st memory of Ted was when Dad would take me to the office on special occasions – after working hours for the majority of the staff, but we could usually find Ted working. He always had a smile and time for me – which when you are little means a lot. After I left school, I would see Ted and Loretta at community events and funerals. He always looked so pleased to see me and asked about my siblings and parents. I know you will miss him terribly. He will find a way to let you know he is still looking out for you. That love never dies. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

  8. Palm Springs CATed Swiontek will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ted was such a gentleman and took an interest in everything you shared with him. He was the cousin to JoAnn (Tobolski) Morford and we both loved him very much and we’ll have Loretta, Steve & Maryann and family are in our prayers. May Jesus take good care of Ted

  9. Grand Forks ND
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time. Remember with joy the good times that you shared together and what a wonderful role model Ted was for all of the Swiontek Family.

  10. Fargo ND
    Loretta and family,
    We are so sad to hear that Ted is gone. He was such a joy to be around. We remember his wit and charm and card playing ability!! – And our hearts break for you now. We are saying our prayers. Feel our hug from a distance….
    Carol & Charlie

  11. Edgeley ND
    Loretta & Steve & your families, We are thinking of you today. Sorry for your loss. I remember them living in the community of Edgeley. God Bless.

  12. Fargo ND
    Todd and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time and in the many days to come. I know you have so many precious memories you have shared and that you can carry with you the rest of your lives. Ted was such a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor! He will be missed. Take much care.

  13. Campbell MN
    Uncle Ted you will be missed by all. Thinking of you Aunt Loretta & Steve and family.

    Craig, Lori & Seanna Mittelstadt


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