UNION GROVE - Harmon H. 'Hank' Swantz, 96, died Monday, April 18, 2011 after a brief illness at Wheaton Franciscan Health Care St. Mary's in Racine. He was born March 20, 1915 in Union Grove to Edward Humpfrey and Mary Lois (nee: Smith) Swantz. He graduated from Union Grove Grade School and High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. He served in the United States Navy during World War II on PT Boats in the South Pacific. He received the Bronze Star and was part of the same squadron as John F. Kennedy. On June 7, 1942 Harmon was united in marriage to Virgene May Voss at Union Grove Congregational UCC. Following marriage they made their home in Union Grove. Virgene preceded him in death on Jan. 17, 2005. Hank was a lifetime member of Union Grove Congregational United Church of Christ. In 1935 Hank and his brother, Robert became partners with their father at Swantz Harware in Union Grove and in 1953 they added the Ben Franklin Variety Store. In 1970, Hank's son, Rich became a partner at the hardware store. Hank retired in January of 2007 when the store closed. Hank was a 51 year member of the Union Grove Yorkville Fire Department and Chief for 25 years. He was a 65 year member of American Legion Post 171 and Post Commander in 1947. He was a member of the Kansasville VFW and Commander in 1985. He served on Community State Bank Board of Directors for 25 years. He was the Civil Defense Director for Union Grove, a charter member of Union Grove Lions Club and a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce. He played with the Bill Benson Orchestra in the 1920's and with the Bristol Band on weekends. Hank enjoyed travel and golf and he loved to work. Survivors include his son, Richard (Jo) Swantz of Union Grove; grandchildren, Brian (Stacey) Swantz, Jody (Brody) Hartmann, Amy (Neil) Buchanan, Adam Swantz and nine great-grand- children. He is further survived by his brother, Robert Swantz of Union Grove; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Virgene. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home in Union Grove with Rev. Manda Stack officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Union Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Union Grove Congregational UCC or to Union Grove Yorkville Fire Department. POLNASEK-DANIELS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 908 - 11th Avenue Union Grove 878-2011 www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com

Published in Racine Journal Times on April 24, 2011