Nick D. Swartz, 87, of Valparaiso passed away Friday, July 19, 2024. He was born April 9, 1937, in Rochester, Indiana to Friendy W. & Vera M. (Moore) Swartz and graduated high school in Milaca, Minnesota. In 1961 Nick left United Air Lines to work for his in-laws, Bud & Miriam Johnson, at Hoosier Fire Equipment in Valparaiso which he & his wife assumed ownership of in 1971. Nick continued to actively own and operate Hoosier Fire with his family until just the past few weeks and the family continues operation today. His work & family defined him, and he loved it. He was a longtime member of the Valparaiso Rotary Club & the Moose Lodge, and attended Washington Evangelical Free Church.
On January 12, 1957, he married Peggy Johnson who preceded him in death in 2014. Survivors include their children; Cindy (Don) Wellsand of Arizona & Tim Swartz of Carmel, Indiana, brother, Roy D. Swartz of Rochester, grandchildren; Stephanie (Alex) Jackovich, Christopher (Lilly) Wellsand, Nicholas (Maggie) Swartz & Patrick Swartz, and great-grandchildren; Bentley, Lucas, Emerson, Gavin, Palmer, Justin, Dylan & Asher. He was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Elizabeth Nelson & Voris D. Swartz, and daughter-in-law, Carol Swartz.
A visitation will be held Wednesday from 3 – 7 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. The funeral service will be held Thursday, 10:30 am at the funeral home with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Valparaiso Rotary Club or the MAAC Foundation for fire training & safety.
GUESTBOOK
Cindy, Tim so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was a very nice and compassionate man. Sending you much love and prayers. -Patty Vandevelde
Cindy & Tim, It saddens my heart to hear of Nick’s passing. We hope you find peace and comfort in the coming weeks surrounded by the family and friends who know and love you all. Nick will be greatly missed. Our condolences to you and your families. With love, -Mickey, Nathan, Darien, David & Sofia
Tim and Cindy we are very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. He was a good man and even better neighbor. I know he always enjoyed his trip to Plymouth to have lunch with his brother. -Dave Cannon
Tim, Nic, Maggie, Patrick and Cindy, We are so very sorry to hear of Nic's passing he always included us in events at your home in Syracuse at Lake Wawasee, boating, eating out..ETC. He will be missed! We were very fortunate to know him!! A one of a kind man..so very nice & polite! -Nancy Zoltek & Dixie Dowell
Tim, Paul Writt located your Dad's Obituary and sent to me. When i opened it up and saw the Seagrave apparatus on the page, my heart truly sank and had to work really hard to not to lose it! I loved your Dad and was a better person for knowing him. I am saddened by his passing. May God Bless his sole and may he rest in peace! I hope you are doing well. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I still miss you folks. -Denny Warren
Nick - I have always sitting near you at our Rotary meetings and breaking bread together. You make those around you feel welcomed, seen, and heard. Your genuine curiosity about the lives of others will be sorely missed. Thank you friend for your service to your family, your community, and your God. -Steve Zelechoski
My heart truly goes out to you and the loss of such a gentle man. I came to appreciate Nick from seeing and chatting with him at Rotary lunch meetings. I was so shocked to hear of his passing as he never complained about anything! I also was surprised to read that he was 87 years old — he was so spry. His death is a true loss to our Rotary community. We will miss him. -Barb Regnitz
Nick was a man who possessed great apprecation for others. He was always friendly to everyone at Rotary meetings and made me feel welcome when I sat with him. He was kind and respectful and truly embodied the 4 pillars of Rotary. He will be missed. -Linda Woloshansky
Nick was a fine man, loved by many. I'm glad I got to know him thru the fire service and tips to Pennsylvania. He always seemed genuinely happy to see me, as the years rolled on and we hadn't seen each other much. I am sad to see him leave this earth. RIP old friend. -John Tobin
