Bernard T. “Bernie” Swiantek

1956-2024

Bernard T. “Bernie” Swiantek, 68, of Rib Lake, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. He was born Feb. 4, 1956 in Chicago, Ill., to Arthur and Bernadine (Halper) Swiantek. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Holy Trinity Polish Catholic High School. During high school, he worked at Delmorino’s Pizzeria.

Following school, Bernie worked for Freeman Decorating Company in Chicago. He worked as a forklift operator, and the company would send him all over the country for conventions. He retired at age 50 after 32 years of service to the company. He moved to Rib Lake in 2006 to be closer to his family.

In 1986, he married Marilyn Weiland in Chicago. Together they had two children and later divorced.

Bernie was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan… he bled blue and orange. He also enjoyed bowling with his best friend Tony Pizzaro, campfires (he loved to watch his friend Tyler Swenson burn things), socializing with the community at the senior center, dancing to the Rockahula, and playing silly pranks on people. He always missed his favorite restaurants in Chicago, including Portello’s and the Lucky Dog… Chicago-style hot dogs were the best!

He will be dearly missed by his two children, Tereance “Terry” (fiancé Shelby Higgins) Swiantek of Medford, Taylor Swiantek of Rib Lake; siblings, Art (Susan) Swiantek of Medford, Gina (Richard Noziska) Swiantek of Westboro, Scott Swiantek of Wausau; grandchildren, Olivia and Katelyn; and was loved by many nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Michael and Eleanor Winski, Logan Swiantek and Nathan Galger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Marilyn; brother, Richard Swiantek; nephew, Ethan Berry; and dogs, Diesel, Ginger, and Gracie.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday Sept. 26, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, with Rev. Paul Woods officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at Lakeview Cemetery in Rib Lake, followed by a Celebration of Bernie’s Life from 12-6 p.m. at the Lakeview Park Pavilion, next to the cemetery in Rib Lake.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 158740