WJ "Bill" Swank

WJ “Bill” Swank, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was received into heaven and the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ on December 21, 2024. Born on July 6, 1953, in Long Beach, California, to Wilma (Weyer) and Donald Swank, Bill spent his early years in the Spokane, Washington area. At an early age, Bill’s creativity and curiosity were evident. In third grade, he built a working steam engine, earning the grand prize at the school science fair. Bill and his siblings were raised with the loving guidance of their grandparents, Andrew and Jane Weyer, who taught him woodworking and many other life skills that remained with him throughout his life.

 Bill’s family moved to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho in 1965. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in CDA for 3 years. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1972, after IHM closed. Bill excelled in high school athletics, especially football & track, setting records in pole vaulting. After high school, Bill earned a degree in mortuary sciences from Mount Hood College and furthered his expertise through specialty certifications at North Idaho College and Clark College. He enjoyed a remarkable 20-year career in funeral services, serving communities throughout Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington with compassion and professionalism. In mid-life, Bill made a career change, joining the United States Postal Service. He proudly served as postmaster for several rural post offices in Eastern Washington for nearly 20 years until his retirement. Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Sarah and Desalyn, and a proud grandfather to Ryder and Quinn, who brought him immense happiness. Bill was a loving uncle who cared deeply for his nieces and nephews and regularly made time for them. His relationships with family and friends were central to his life, and he was known for nurturing them with his kindness and humor. Famous for his sharp wit and playful spirit, Bill was a master of pranks who loved to make people laugh. A talented craftsman, Bill built a cabin on Lake Pend Oreille before his retirement, where he loved to spend his time relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. He felt most at home in the mountains of North Idaho, where he could often be found exploring backroads, camping with friends and family, and appreciating the beauty of the region. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Wilma Weyer and Don Swank; niece Tara Swank; nephew Drew Swank; and other beloved family members and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Sarah (Nick) Colhoff and Desalyn Swank; grandsons Ryder and Quinn Colhoff; brother Don (Patti) Swank; sisters Janie Swank (John) Burke, Maryann (Paul) Leeberg, and Wilma “Willie” (Armando) Gressel; his love, Robin Weisshaar; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Bill had a special love and gratefulness to Norb and Pat Riplinger and their family of 8 kids for opening their hearts and home to Bill and his brother during his high school years.

Bill will be remembered for his generosity, creativity, humor, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m., at the Hayden Eagles Lodge #4080 in Hayden, Idaho. We warmly invite all to join us in honoring his memory.