Marvin Swets

Marv Swets, 77, of Sioux Center, IA died unexpectedly Monday, September 9, 2013, at St. Mary's Regional Hospital of Russellville, AR. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10:30AM at Carmel Reformed Church of rural Rock Valley with Rev. Mark Heijerman officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service in Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gift items, the Swets family prefers memorials be directed to the Carmel Reformed Church Multi-Purpose Building Project. Marvin Swets was born to John and Johanna (Willemsen) Swets on the family farm north of Orange City, Iowa on February 2, 1936. He attended country school through the eighth grade and began his lifelong career of farming. Marvin married Shardell J. Popma on July 30, 1958. The couple farmed near Carmel, Iowa together for the next 55 years. He was a member of the Carmel Reformed Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and neighbors; often telling stories over a cup of coffee. One of his greatest delights was working on the farm. He could often be found at the sale barn or outside enjoying nature while fishing or camping. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his greatest joys. Marvin is survived by his wife, Shardell of Hull; daughter, Pam Caldwell of Gold Hill, OR; sons: Mark (Deb) Swets of Rock Valley and Jay Swets of Hull; foster daughter, Carrie Anne Smith of St. Louis, MO; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Van Es of Russellville, AR; sister-in-law, Mary Swets of Sioux Center; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ken and Mary Wiersma of Fruitport, MI; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Dan and Marlys Popma of Kellogg, IA, Jim and Mary Popma of Des Moines, IA and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Delbert Swets; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Delbert and Sebianna Popma and brother-in-law, Wilbur Van Es.