James ''Swede'' Swedberg

Age 69, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2001 following a courageous battle with a rare illness. Jim was born in Kaukauna on September 15, 1932, son of the late Carl and Mabel (Canham) Swedberg, Sr. After his graduation from high school, he served as a proud member of the United States Navy from 1950 – 1954. On May 25, 1957, he married the former Margaret Coffey at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna; she survives. For many years, Jim worked as the warehouse supervisor for Valley School Supply in Appleton, retiring in 1993. Many will remember him as an avid sports fan who enjoyed following the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, golfing, bowling, and watching NASCAR races. He also enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and shooting pool.

He is survived by his wife: Margaret Ann Swedberg of Kaukauna; five sons: Jay Swedberg of Kaukauna and his special friend Debbie, Joel “Blackie” (Kathy) Swedberg of Darboy, John “Putter” (Kelly) Swedberg of Kaukauna, Jeff “Swede” Swedberg and his fiance Tammy of Cecil, and Jerry “Bear” (Katie) Swedberg of Neenah; a daughter: Mary (Keith) Franzke of Kaukauna; ten grandchildren: April, Tiffany, and Bobbie Jo Swedberg; Amanda and Travis Swedberg; Cory and Tyler Swedberg; Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Derrick Franzke; two sisters-in-law: Peggy Beaster of Florida and Fritz Swedberg of Des Moines, Iowa; a special cousin: June Canham of Waupun; his mother-in-law: Marge Coffey of Kaukauna. Jim is further survived by Margaret’s brothers and sisters: Darlene (Jake) Van Camp of Freedom, Mary Jane (Pat) O’Brien of Kaukauna, Colleen (LeRoy) Van Cuyk of Kaukauna, Tom (Brita) Coffey of Kaukauna, Tim (Debbie) Coffey of Shawano, Jack (Laurie) Coffey of Kaukauna, and Brian (Angela) Coffey of Kaukauna. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Carl Swedberg, Jr. and Kenneth Swedberg, a sister Jean Meyers, brothers-in-law Ronald and Patrick Coffey, sister-in-law Noreen Coffey, and his father-in-law Clifton Coffey.

The funeral liturgy for Jim will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 9, 2001 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 – 8 PM on Thursday and again on Friday at the church after 10 AM.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Montgomery Elmer and the staff at the Hospice at Cherry Meadows. Your care, concern, and compassion made Jim’s final days more comfortable. He could have been in no better hands. Thank you so very much.

Dad and Grandpa: We loved your sense of humor and practical jokes, and will cherish your love and laughter always. We admire the courageous battle you fought and will love and miss you forever.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200