Harry Sweda

1932-2024

Harry Sweda, 91, formerly of Lublin, passed away peacefully at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minn. He was born on Dec. 29, 1932, to the late Matthew and Anna (Paraschak) Sweda. Harry grew up near Lublin, graduating from Gilman High School in 1951. Harry attended the Medford Normal School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from UW Eau Claire and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. Most of his career was spent teaching in the Gilman School District. He served as Elementary Principal for a period, returned to classroom teaching, and retired in 1990. After retirement, he served on the Gilman School Board for 15 years and drove school bus.

Harry married Mary Ann Smugala on July 5, 1969 at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church-Lublin. The couple lived next to and were very active in the Church the rest of their lives. Harry loved his community. He volunteered for the Lublin Fire Department, Lublin Park and Pavilion Committee, Gilman Lions, Taylor County United Way, Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, 4-H, and other organizations. Harry gave much of his time, talents, and treasures to others. He enjoyed hunting deer, bear, coyote, and fox. He spent decades as a DNR instructor for Hunter, Snowmobile, and ATV Safety courses. Harry played baseball and softball in his younger days. He was a WIAA official for high school softball and baseball. One of his favorite places was behind home plate as an umpire on summer weekends at countless area softball tournaments. He danced waltzes and polkas until he could no longer. He loved his family and friends and spending time with them.

He is survived by his children, Matthew, Harry Jr., James (Jen), Johanna Kirk, and John (Jamie); his grandchildren, Matthew, Trista, James Jr., Donald, Teresa, Ryan, and Luke; his brother, Donald; and sisters, Kathryn Bluemel, Nettie (Jim) Kowalczyk and Pauline Lewan. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann (2002), brothers, Andrew, Frank, William, Joseph, Steven, John and sisters, Helen Janetzke, Mary Terlecki, Ella Kaye, Julia Roback, and his daughter-in-law Anne (Matthew).

A funeral service was held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Holy Assumption Orthodox Church-Lublin with Father Thaddeus Wojcik officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gilman Funeral Home with a Panikhida service at 7 p.m. Visitation continued Wednesday morning at the church one hour prior to the service.

Paid Obituary 152908