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Obituary: Teddy Earl Swift

Posted at 11:48 AM, Jun 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-26 13:48:49-04

Teddy Earl Swift, a longtime Lewistown, Montana resident passed away peacefully in Bozeman, Montana on June 20, 2020 at the age of 94, of natural causes following a short illness.

Ted was born in Lewistown on December 21, 1925, to Vera Mae Swift and Morton James Swift. Upon graduation from Fergus High School, he worked as a longshoreman in the Portland, Oregon area. He returned to Montana to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II where he proudly served as a radio operator. After World War II, he enrolled at Montana State College, earning a Business degree in 1950. While at Montana State, he was a member of the gymnastics team and remembered his time as a student fondly. During the Korean War, he was called back into the service. Shortly after, he returned to Lewistown and joined his father in the insurance business. He then became an insurance agent with State Farm, retiring in 1988.

Ted married Dorothy Egger in May of 1950 - they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. The couple were longtime members of the United Methodist Church of Lewistown. Ted loved his hometown deeply and was involved in many community projects throughout his life as a member of the Lewistown Lions Club and the Elks Club. Additionally, he was an avid golfer, skier, and MSU Bobcat fan - he rarely missed a hometown football game!

Ted was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford Swift; and sisters, Helen Hopper, Coreen Wert, and Lula Hildebrand; as well as his beloved daughter, Nancy Nickel, and granddaughter, Lindsey Nickel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Swift of Bozeman; daughter, Joni Westfall (Mike) of Bozeman; son, Jeff Swift (Angelika) of Winchester, VA; and five grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held in Lewistown at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com [dokkennelson.com]