Sam Swisher, 79, of Garden County passed away January 23, 2024 at his home after a short illness.
Cremation has taken place, and his family is planning a celebration for his birthday in June.
Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Swisher family.
Samuel Guy Swisher was born June 2, 1944 in Tabor, Iowa to William and Fern Swisher, he was the third of six children. He earned his chief engineering license in 1962 that led to a 40-year career. In 1977 he was united in marriage to Debbie Goodman and they soon welcomed three children: Perry in 1978, Sam in 1979, and Stacey in 1981. After losing Debbie in 1989, he continued to work in Colorado, retiring in 2005 and moved to Oshkosh.
On June 2, 2014, he was united in marriage to Cathy Racicky. He gained 3 more children; Jennifer Adams, Kristie Vanderlinde and Chad Vanderlinde. They lived west of Oshkosh on a small farm.
Sam enjoyed every day he was given and was very proud of the life he had and of his family and friends. He loved football and had watched every Super Bowl. He was hopeful to see this year's. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy of Oshkosh; sons, Perry (Toni) of Oshkosh, Sam of Scottsbluff; daughter, Stacey (Ibrahim) Yasin; sister, Marcella (Allen) Gray; brother, Wayne (Penny); 10 grandkids, Ben, Brittany, Estephon (Amanda), Marwan, Colton, Allison, Sierra, and Nina; 6 great-grandchildren, Annalise, Bella, Wyatt, Gianna, Emilee, and Alexis; 2 dogs, Sadie and Shaddow, 2 horses, 16 chickens, 4 goats, and 7 cats including 5 kittens who adored him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith; 2 sisters, Barb and Peg; and wife, Debbie in 1989.