Jeffrey Lea Swiontek, 67

Jeffrey Lea Swiontek, 67, of Climax, Minn., passed away peacefully after spending the day with family on Oct. 26, 2023, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, N.D.
Jeff was born May 21, 1956, in Hallock, Minn., to Harry and Celestine (Wengeler) Swiontek. Jeff grew up in Northcote, Minn., and attended school in Hallock until his eighth grade year. The family moved to Climax in 1970 and he graduated from Climax High School. While in high school he was active in football, basketball, FFA and was a member of the carnival committee. Upon graduation from high school, he attended East Grand Forks AVTI for gasoline and diesel mechanics.
In 1975, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and went to boot camp in San Diego, Calif. Upon leaving the Marines, he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a mechanic for over 20 years. Upon retirement, he worked for Evenson Fertilizer and drove grain and beet trucks during harvest. One of his hobbies was to work on small engines and riding lawnmowers. Jeff enjoyed seeing his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, model trains and woodworking. Jeff took care of his father and his mother for several years. Jeff will also be remembered for coordinating the restoration of the Oak View Catholic Cemetery in Northcote.
He is survived by: mother, Celestine; brother, Steven (Susan) Swiontek of Devils Lake; sister, Adele Swiontek of Crookston, Minn.; nephews, Frank (Lisa) Swiontek of Grand Forks, Connor Swiontek of Sioux Falls, S.D.; niece, Christine Haus of Fargo, N.D.; and grand-nephew, Everett Swiontek.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Harry Swiontek; grandparents, William and Wilhelmina (Jaszczak) Swiontek and Anthony and Ludmilla (Haus) Wengeler; and uncles, Victor Swiontek and Francis Wengeler.
Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston. Interment will take place at the Birgit Cemetery in Climax next spring.