Richard L. 'Rick' Swanger

Richard L. 'Rick' Swanger

1948 – 2026

BATTLE CREEK - Richard L. “Rick” Swanger, 77, of Battle Creek, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Rick was born on Aug. 8, 1948, to Lowell and Elaine (Behn) Swanger, in Battle Creek. He was raised on the family farm where he developed a lifelong passion for agriculture, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the land that would define the rest of his life.

Farming wasn't simply Rick's occupation; it was who he was. As a proud fifth-generation family farmer, he dedicated his life to raising crops and livestock, operating a cow/calf herd, a farrow-to-finish hog operation, and feeding out fat cattle. He took tremendous pride in caring for the land and livestock, always striving to leave things better than he found them. Although he officially retired from farming in 2018, retirement didn't slow him down much. He remained an integral part of the farm, always talking equipment, discussing crops, and making sure "the boys" knew exactly how he thought things should be done. Farming was forever in his blood.

Rick believed life should be lived large. His favorite saying, "Go Big or Go Home," wasn't just something he said, it was the way he lived every day. In 2007, Rick along with Wayne Nielsen took home first place at the Iwegian Walleye Tournament in which he was very proud of. Whether it was a family gathering, a new project, or smoking enough meat to feed a crowd, Rick never believed in doing anything halfway.

Family was the center of Rick's world. He treasured family dinners, holidays around the table, and every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and especially his great-grandson Russell. There was nothing better than gathering everyone together, telling stories, sharing laughs, and cheering on his favorite football teams. His grandchildren will forever remember his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and the countless stories that somehow got better every time they were told.

Rick and his beloved wife shared countless adventures together, including many unforgettable fishing trips to Akaska, South Dakota, with dear friends. Every August, family vacations to Lake Winnibigoshish in Minnesota became a cherished tradition filled with fishing, numerous snowmobiling trips, laughter, and memories that will live on for generations. Whether he was casting a line on a quiet morning or golfing with lifelong friends, Rick was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

He also enjoyed a friendly game of Euchre or Lowball cards, where the competition was just as important as the conversation around the table. Rick never met a stranger, and his home was a gathering place for friends who routinely stopped by for a "Tottie," a story, and plenty of laughter. His gift for storytelling, infectious sense of humor, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome.

Rick loved talking about farming, machinery, and hunting dogs. He enjoyed chasing rooster pheasants behind good bird dogs and appreciated everything the outdoors had to offer. He also earned family legend status as the only Swanger to receive two speeding tickets within fifteen minutes, a story he proudly laughed about for years, despite neither ticket being cheap.

Rick also loved a good wager. In fact, after four sons were born: Shawn, Adam, Richard Jr. “Richy” and Jed, he confidently bet that if the fifth child turned out to be a girl, he would shave off his beard. Unfortunately for Rick, and perhaps fortunately for anyone hoping to see him clean-shaven, that bet came due with the birth of his daughter Courtney.

Above all else, Rick loved his wife beyond measure. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and hard work. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man whose presence could fill any room. His generosity, humor, wisdom, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Rick is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Deborah A. (Berning) Swanger of Battle Creek; children: Shawn Swanger of Battle Creek, Adam Swanger of Battle Creek, Richard Jr. “Richy” (Kourtnee) Swanger of Battle Creek, Jed (Amber) Swanger of Cedar Falls, and Courtney (Chad) Sleight of Odebolt; grandchildren: Wesley (Claudia) Swanger, Daltyn Swanger, Luke Swanger, Erika Swanger, Tanner Swanger, Levi Swanger, Waylon Swanger, Jasa Swanger, Cooper Sleight, Alayna Swanger, Kasen Swanger, and Crosby Sleight; great grandson Russell Swanger; brother-in-law Neil Bieber of Unionville, MO; niece Heidi (Todd) Lackman of Norwalk, IA; extended family and a host of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Elaine Swanger and sister Nicole Bieber.

Though his boots have been set aside, and the fields now carry on without him, Rick's legacy lives on through the generations who continue to farm the land he loved, the family he cherished, and the countless stories that will continue to be told around dinner tables for years to come.

His family finds comfort knowing that somewhere beyond the horizon, Rick has found the perfect fishing hole, the richest farmland, and plenty of friends gathered around to share stories, because for Rick, life was always meant to be lived big.