John Sworski, formerly of Kimball, died Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, at his St. Cloud home, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer. He was 78. 
Mass of Christian Burial celebScott Pogatchnik and Rev. Robert Harren con-celebrating. Entombment will be in Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in St. Cloud. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, and after 9 a.m. Tuesday, at Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
John L. Sworski was born July 11, 1942, in St. Cloud to John C. and Anna (Augustinack) Sworski. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School with the class of 1960. In his earlier years, he was an ambulance driver for Granite City Ambulance, and he drove part-time for St. Cloud Funeral Care Service. He began work in general construction before beginning a 35-year career as a plumber/pipefitter at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.
John married Mary Lou Ranweiler on June 26, 1965, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. For 32 years, the family made their home at Almosta Ranch near Kimball before retiring to St. Cloud. He was a member of St. John Cantius Parish where he served as an usher, and he was a 50+ year member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5548. In his retirement, John enjoyed volunteering more than 2,500 hours at the St. Cloud VA. Some of his favorite things were listening to polka and older country music, and Christmas (especially lighting up his outdoor nativity scene). John played Santa Claus for private parties and at the mall for many years. He loved anything John Deere, and he got his walking miles in at Menards and Harbor Freight. His family meant the world to him, and he treasured his grandchildren and the joy they brought to him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Wally (and Marilyn) and Frances Kiess, and parents-in-law Elmer and Eunice Ranweiler.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary Lou; children Bob (and Stephanie) Sworski of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Sue (and Paul) Massmann of Luxemburg/Kimball, Lori (and Glen) Litke of St. Cloud, Mike (and Shelly) Sworski of Richmond, John (and Jannell) Sworski of Eau Claire, Wis.; grandchildren Erik, Megan, Josh and Kate Sworski, Matthew (and Casey), Jonathan, Andrew and Jacqueline Massmann, cole and Brooke Sworski, and Mya Patterson; in-laws N.A. Kiess, Ron (and Rosemary) Ranweiler, Mike (and Kathy) Ranweiler, Joe (and Liz) Ranweiler, Kathy (and Bob) Juetten, Dan (and Deb) Ranweiler, Tim (and Carol) Ranweiler; and many nieces and nephews.
A heartfelt “thank you” to the staffs of the St. Cloud Hospital and CentraCare Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.