Wally Swets was a source of joy to those around him. He trusted fully in his heavenly Father and believed that every minute of his life was a gift from God. He died March 27 at age 90.
Born in South Holland, Ill., Wally lived there until he left to attend Calvin College (now University) and Seminary. He spent his teen years working in the fields, digging and trimming onions, cutting gladiolas, and butchering chickens and turkeys. He also worked for an uncle grading, washing, and packaging eggs.
While still a seminary student, Wally had two memorable church assignments—filling a three-month vacancy at First Christian Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa, a congregation of over 200 families, having preached only one sermon previously; and an assignment at a CRC in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the following summer.
After graduation and ordination in 1959, Wally pastored the following congregations: Hartley (Iowa) CRC; Faith Community CRC, Colton, S.D.; Bethel CRC, Oskaloosa, Iowa; and First Cutlerville CRC, Byron Center, Mich., where he remained for 24 years. During his years of ministry Wally was a delegate to synod several times and served on many classical and denominational boards.
After he retired in 1997, Wally preached locally for several years and was honored to be on staff at the Stroo Funeral Home for 25 years. He enjoyed daily walks, morning coffee with friends, reading, playing games, working outdoors, and volunteering for Crossroads Prison Ministries and Samaritans Carriage, a nonprofit organization providing transportation and excursions to those with limited mobility.
Wally will be lovingly remembered by Albertha, his wife of 68 years; a daughter; a son and daughter-in-law; and four grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.