Harlan Richard Swift, Harlan was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on May 7, 1931. At an early age he moved to Lynn, Indiana and spent most of his life in the state of Indiana. Harlan met Beverly Rodeck while attending Valparaiso University. They were married December 26, 1954, and celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. Four children were born to Harlan and Beverly: Gayle Renee Dessuit (Frank), Daryl Mark Swift (Julie), Jodi Beth Pynakker (Michael), and Joel Tod Swift (Debbie). He was grandfather to fifteen children and great-grandfather to nine children. Grandchildren: Jason, Jared, Renae (Chad), Zach (Mindi), Mallory (Matt), Emily (Phil), Mark, Nicole, Ryan, Breanne (Dave), Kailee (Ryan), Mitchel (Casey), Jude, Luke, and Kara. Great- Grandchildren: Rory, Harlan, Isla, Abby, Junie, Riley, Raegan, Quinn, and Etta.
Harlan was a natural born salesman. After various sales positions, he started his own business selling group medical insurance, life insurance, and annuities. Harlan enjoyed working up until his retirement which was around 6 months prior to his death. Harlan loved people, he loved life, and he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The writer in the book of Ecclesiastes (probably) anticipating Harlan Swift said, “There is nothing better in life than to eat, drink and find enjoyment in (your) toil.” The preacher in Ecclesiastes elsewhere commended the enjoyment of life. Simply put; Harlan did just that! He enjoyed the Scriptures, his God, his wife, his family, his friends, and people everywhere. He wanted people to know of his dear Savior Jesus Christ. Harlan genuinely cared for people in taking the time to explore life alongside of them. He opened his home to many and when he did, he loved them deeply. We cannot leave out his beloved fly-tying and fishing, yet he always had an eternal perspective.
Beverly, his bride to be, encouraged Harlan Swift to join a Christian church. As a part of that process, Harlan was introduced to the good news of what Jesus had done for him. Harlan, in response to this good news, committed his life to Jesus’s care, trusting in Him for his forgiveness of sins, and relying on Christ and His Word for formation of conviction and character throughout his life. His desire to be more like Christ remained strong to the end. He trusted that when he saw Jesus after his death that he would be completely changed into His likeness. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, five months after Beverly passed away, Harlan passed away from this earth into the loving care and presence of His dear Savior. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Grace Chapel, 157 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, with a celebration of life service beginning at 11:00 am. Following the service, lunch will be served.
