Obituary of Roger D. Swichtenberg

Swichtenberg, Roger D. Roger was born November 27, 1944, proud parents were Joe & Martha Swichtenberg. Roger was one of twelve children: 9 Boys & 3 Girls total. He and his big family grew up and attended schools in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Roger always had a fascination with cars. He was pretty much a self taught mechanic working at Lloyds Standard in Lake Zurich for several years before owning his own station (Roger's Standard) in Wauconda, IL. Roger met Sue in 1968. They dated for only a few months before being married on March 29, 1969. They eloped and were married in Michigan. Some family members knew of their elopement plan and surprised Roger and Sue by attending their ceremony. Roger and Sue welcome their baby girl Jodi in January 1972 and watched her grow into the beautiful young lady she is today. And, yes, she was truly Daddy's Little Girl. Roger and sue welcomed their adorable son, Jason, in May of 1975 and watched him grow in the superb young man that he is today. Both of Roger and Sue's children brought oh so many joyful moments into their lives. It really amazed them just how good Jodi & Jason turned out! Roger, Sue, Jodi, and Jason moved to Florida in 1976 - settling in the Largo/Seminole area. Roger opened his own station, Roger's Chevron, on Vonn Road across from Seminole Middle School. He has many, many customers who also became friends as Roger was known as an honest mechanic. He always said … "if you treat someone right, they'll treat you right." After 12 years the station was demolished as it made way for bigger and better things. Roger ventured into a couple of other business opportunities before landing at J & K Mobil (At the corner of Park & Vonn) as the station manager. Roger & John (Owner of J & K Mobil) had a long lasting bond between them. First of all, John was employed by Roger and years later, the tables were turned… Roger worked for John. Roger (and Sue) were most proud of their life's accomplishments… Jodi & Jason. Their children were the center of their attention. That is, until their five grandchildren came along. Children of Jodi & John…. Twin boys, Jake and Jaye + Rylie. Children of Jason and Ariadne; Sage & Jordan. Doing fun stuff with the grandkids was always a favorite pastime. To all of them Roger was known as Pa Pa. Roger will be greatly missed by so many but… he leaves behind so many wonderful memories for ALL of us to remember him by!! Roger was predeceased by his parents, Joe & Martha Swichtenberg; his brothers Marvin, Willis, Carl, & Joe; and his sister Helen. Roger is survived by his wife of 43 years Sue; children Jodi (John) & Jason (Ariadne); grandchildren Jake, Jaye, Rylie, Sage, and Jordan; brothers Glenn, Fred, Keith, and Lynn; sisters Gail & Cheryl; and so many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. We'll miss you Roger, Rog, Hubby, Dad, and Pa Pa. We Love you now & Forever! Contributions to American Cancer Society, The Bay Pines Veteran's Health Care System, or Suncoast Hospice. .