Henry "Hank" Swaagman

Henry “Hank” Swaagman, age 91, was called Home on November 26, 2014 at American Way in Portage, after a long struggle with Alzheimers disease.


Henry was born at the family farm in the town of Randolph on April 7, 1923, the son of Harry & Etta (Slager) Swaagman. He attended Randolph Christian Schools until the completion of 6th grade, at which time he began farming with his father, he was also a bowling pin setter in Waupun. He was united in marriage on April 12, 1944 to Kathryn Bos. Together they had daughters Karen in 1945 and Katherine in 1950. Two days after Katherine’s birth, Kathryn died on March 2, 1950. On May 18, 1951, Henry married Elberta Mol. They completed the family with their children; Gail born in 1952, Harry in 1955, Ruth in 1957 and Merrie in 1959. Elberta preceded Henry in death on December 5, 2011, after 60 years of marriage. Hank was a dedicated farmer in rural Cambria. More than anything, he loved the Lord and shared the message of salvation with everyone he came in contact with. He provided a Christian education to all of his children and faithfully supported with his gifts and talents, the Randolph Christian School and Central Wisc. Christian High. He actively served on the church council as a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church of Randolph. He served as lay pastor ministering to numerous local nursing homes, providing the message and songs along with the help of his children. While farming, he also worked part-time at the Cambria Lumber Co and sold chickens by Fox Lake. Hank is most remembered for selling brooms to countless customers for Milwaukee Dustless for over 50 years. In retirement, Hank worked as a cattle truck driver, at the Cambria Co-op, was a meter reader, cleaned Pierce’s grocery store, and painted homes across the tri-county area, in addition to delivering flowers, getting smiles & hugs from the recipients. Hank and Birdie traveled to numerous states to visit their children, grandchildren, family & friends. For many years, they wintered in Florida by their daughters. While there, Hank worked as a farm hand & driver at Mecca Farms as well as painting. He also honed his skills as a pay phone coin collector, and gathered bags of aluminum, as well as numerous other “treasures” that he found on his long walks. He was “green” before it became popular. Hank was helpful to anyone who would accept his generosity. His love, kindness, quick wit and laughter will be deeply missed by his family and all the many lives he touched in his 91 years.


Henry is survived by his children, Katherine (Ken) Vant Hoff, Cambria; Gail (Harvey) Schans, Lantana, FL; Harry Swaagman, Friesland; Ruth (Bob) Agnew, Poynette and Merrie (John) Korah, Westfield; his son-in law Bruce (Jean) Braaksma, Friesland; his 14 grandchildren; Sheila (Jeff) Link and Lance (Stacy)Braaksma; Tara(Dale) Cupery; Benjamin (Allison) Schans and Joshua Schans; Monica Swaagman, Shawn (Amy) Swaagman and Amanda Swaagman; Travis (Amy) Agnew, Leah (Todd) Romin and Megan Agnew; and Nicolaus (Stephanie) Rock, Season (Adam) Eichhorn and Jarvis (Erica) Lewis. He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren; Braeden & Ziarra Link; Alanah Braaksma; Hope, Seth, Noah & Gabe Cupery; Elias, Danite & Amanuel Agnew; Trace, Kylan, Hudson, Truett & Flynt Romin; Jordan & Devin Rock; Jobe, Cohen & Evalynn Eichhorn and Jaxson Lewis; sisters, Helen (Cornelius) Katsma & Edna (Jim) Fisher, brother Alfred “Dick” (Ruth) Swaagman; brother-in-law Peter (Bertha) Mol; sisters-in-law, Angeline (Marion) Boersma & Lucille Swaagman, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Kathryn and second wife Elberta, his daughter Karen Braaksma in 2006; infant grandchildren, Kathryn & Aaron Vant Hoff; brothers Benny & Darvin Swaagman; sister Benty Navis;
sisters & brothers-in-law; Alice & Clarence Katsma, Kathryn & George Minnema, Kathy & Fran Medema and Neil & Grace Mol.


In lieu of flowers, Henry requested memorials to Randolph Christian Schools, Second Christian Reformed Church, Bible League & Church World Service.


Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Second Christian Reformed Church, 332 Tamarack Street, Randolph, with Rev. Keith Buist officiating. Burial will follow in the Friesland Cemetery.


Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday beginning at 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service.

Randolph Community Funeral Home
www.randolphfh.com