Alvina C. Swindler passed away on Aug. 26, 2014. She was born in Arlington, SD on December 18, 1914. She was raised and went to high school in Mott, ND and married Wilmer Swindler of Mott, ND December 11, 1935. She was a homemaker, active in her church and choir, loved to play card games, do crossword puzzles every day and argue politics. They lived in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before moving to Newcastle, WY and Gillette, WY. In Gillette they opened the first 25 cent car wash and also the How-De-Do drive-in and the How-De-Do trailer park in the late 50’s. After they left Gillette, they made their home in Apache Junction, AZ. She had a very full and healthy life until her death. She loved her family visits, and especially the annual family reunions in Apache Junction. She is preceded in death by husband Wilmer, son Jerry, two brothers, Sigurd and Walter Overgaard and 6 sisters: Jennie Swanston, Elizabeth Eckelberg, Esther Overgaard, Edna Schrimpf, Eleanor Reineke, and Elsie Jacobson. She was the last of her siblings and was looking forward to her 100th birthday celebration in December. The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” on December 21st which was the day planned for her “100th birthday celebration” at the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church. She is survived by her son, Dean Swindler of Show Low, daughter JoAnn Austin of Spokane, WA; 5 adoring grandchildren: Douglas Misner, Kristin Galecki, Michael Swindler, Tonya Carty and Tina Edenfield; 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her family and friends will forever miss her presence in their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church, 462 Paolo Verde Dr., Apache Junction, AZ 85120.
JoAnn, Dean Marlene and family
I loved her tenacity, her spunk , her love of life and her love for Jesus! Pushed is finally home and hope I can be as independent as she was to the end! God Bless you all
Jane and Jeff. Erickson