William 'Bill' L. Swartz

William “Bill” Loranzo Swartz, 78, of Belgrade, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at his home. He was born May 18, 1934 in Moundville, MO to Loranzo Clyde and Alice Lucille (Ridgway) Swartz. Bill’s mother passed away when he was only 10, he lived in several foster homes until the age of 16, and he was then able to live with his Aunt and Uncle, Hallie & Raymond Sipes, in Kansas City, MO. He moved to Montana in the early 50’s with his Brother David. Bill met and married the love of his life ~ Margaret “Peggy” Owen on May 27, 1956 in Bozeman, Montana. Bill was no stranger to hard work; he worked for Bozeman Granite Works, Montana Flour Mill, Yellowstone Pine Lumber, and MSU Janitorial, also owned Swartz Flooring where he installed Flexotile and Torginal flooring. Bill and Peggy also owned the Hub and Mint Bars in Belgrade for many years. His friends will miss the many stories he shared with them over a few drinks. Bill served our county for several years in the National Guard. He was a 60 year member of the Eagles Lodge. Also a member of the Belgrade Community Center and Lions Club. Bill enjoyed watching NASCAR, NFL football and Playing Bingo. Bill had a very creative mind and was an amazing woodworker and came up with some pretty ingenious projects, his wild west gun case was one of those examples. Bill was preceded in death by his Parents, and his Brother David Swartz. Survivors include his wife Peggy of Belgrade; Son and Daughter-in-law ~ Steve and Mitzi Swartz of Bozeman; Daughter and Son in law ~ Debra and Earl Dibble of Lolo, MT and Daughter ~ Pamela Youngerman (Mark Stogsdill) of Belgrade; 6 grandchildren; Nycole, Daffney (Ray), Larissa, Levi, Destry (Syndelle) and Darci (Orlando); 5 great grandchildren Hayden, Xander, Presley, Otto, Enzo and one on the way; 2 sisters Madeline (Ed) Allen of Lees Summit, MO, Deloris (Jerry) Prewitt of Seally, TX; 2 brothers Jack (June) Swartz of Buckner, MO and Sam (Gwen) Simpson of Paradise, CA. And he ever faithful champion Rosie. Memorials may be made in his name to the Belgrade Senior Center, 92 E. Cameron Ave, Belgrade, MT 59714. Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Southwest Montana for the great care given in the last few months. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Dahl Funeral Chapel, with interment to follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery. A get together will follow at the Eagles Lodge in Bozeman. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.