Edward A. Swetish, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017. Ed was born May 23, 1923 on a farm west of Dillon to Mike and Amanda Swetish.
Edward attended Beaverhead County High School. Following Ed’s graduating from BCHS, he enrolled in the Kingman Business University in Spokane, Washington taking courses in accounting in the fall of 1942. Ed never got to finish college because he was drafted. Ed served in the Army and Air force in WWII. He fought in many campaigns from Utah Beach, through Ardennes, and Central Europe.
Edward came home from the war and became self employed entrepreneur. He was in many organizations in Dillon. He was on the fire department, Jaycees, Flying Club, civil air patrol, Beaverhead Ambulance, Red Cross, American Legion, and the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1978 Ed moved to Helena, where he joined the State of Montana Disaster and Emergency service staff. He was a RADEF technician. Ed traveled the state teaching about radioactive materials to first responders.
Ed retired in 1987, but remained active in the American Red Cross. He worked as a volunteer on 14 nation disasters. He traveled to earthquakes in California, hurricanes in Louisiana and Puerto Rico and Hawaiian Islands.
In March 1993 Ed jumped on a Deutsche Rostock cargo ship for an 84-day trip around the world. He was in Rome, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.
He is survived by nieces and nephews; Rosemary Feldman, Michael Foppiano, Bill Swetish, Barbara Swetish, and Michael Banning.
A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in Ed’s name are suggested to the American Legion, 3095 Villard Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 27, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Friday January 27, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Raod
Helena, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday January 27, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 27, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Friday January 27, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Raod
Helena, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday January 27, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Doris Romanisko says
Ed was an amazingly dedicated volunteer for the American Red Cross. He was always ready to travel to a disaster at a moment’s notice, train other volunteers, and answer any call for assistance. I will always have vivid memories of Ed and his little smirky smile when he was offering an experience or memory that wasn’t part of an approved curriculum. Thanks, Ed, for your years of sharing and helping.
Terry W Bass says
A very nice person. Dedicated to living and helping others less fortunate. A defender of country and values. May he Rest In Peace.
barb swetish says
i dont have just one fond memmory of uncle ed i have many our picnics in the mountians our rides our trip to glacier uncle n i spent alot of time together the last few years he was an inspiration to me he always thought of others before he thought of himself he was a very hard worker a great gardener and a wonderful man that i will miss his smiles his stubborness to do things his way or no way uncle was always there for his family they came first his heart was made of gold pure as it gets and i will miss him so much till we meet again
Chick Rolling says
A world traveler but a local legend known for dedication to the Red Cross. Ed displayed his personal ethic to helping others at their time of need. He willingly took on any task asked of him with good spirit and extrordinary commitment. Ed did it all–assisting, sheltering, food distributing, record keeping, instructing, planning, leading and much more. He set a standard that we all seek to attain but remains beyond our reach.
Jennifer Swetish Johns says
So many wonderful lessons to learn from uncle Ed. The fondest memories I have were watching him and my Dad, Bill Swetish, talk about the old days. The laughter and smile in both their eyes were priceless. Sadly, when I moved away to Washington I lost opportunities to spend time with him. But my oldest daughter, Amie Swetish, did her 7th grade relative in history project on uncle, Ed and he was so enthusiastic and shared so much of his life. Many family members have volumes of books he has written and they are truly remarkable. His old way of thinking and doing things made me realize technology is a handicap. May you rest in peace and find a new journey to explore. I pray you will look down upon us with a clear mind and know you will be greatly missed. Thank you for giving my dad and mom, and so many others, so much worldly insight.
Jay Spehar says
Rest In Peace, Ed. You will be missed by many at home and around the world. God Bless and God Speed.
Rick Later says
We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences.
R.I.P. Ed