Justin Elijah Swonger

Justin Elijah Swonger was born on June 15, 1979 in Falls Church Virginia. He grew up in Wisconsin, graduating from Bigfoot Union High School in Fontana in 1997. In 2001 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and married Deanna Krenn, with whom he has two beautiful children, Elliot and Chloe.

From 2004 to 2007, Justin attended law school at The Ohio State University, debating in legalese and fighting his own private battles. After obtaining his JD and passing the Wisconsin bar exam, Justin’s next challenge was wrestling with addiction, depression, and a self-doubt that those who knew and admired him could not fathom. In 2010, he received invaluable support from the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota. Justin’s family remains grateful to the people of Hazelden and the role they played in helping him reclaim the power and beauty of himself. His path of self-improvement continued throughout his life; on July 24 of this year he finished his first triathlon, and was training to do another.

A little over a year ago, Justin flew to Colorado and walked through the doors of one of the best restaurants in the country. He was offered a job on the spot, the manager seeing in him what we all knew and loved. It would be a major step towards achieving his dream of operating his own restaurant. Justin’s best qualities were not secrets that had to be teased out from years of knowing and loving him; they were immediately obvious, announcing his keen intellect, varied interests and basic goodness. And while his personality could fill a room, he was endlessly attentive, sensitive and caring. He will be remembered for his wry and self-effacing sense of humor, and the focused intention he brought to every relationship, interaction and passing wave. It was this intentionality that allowed him to move across the country in one determined step, guiding his children into a brand new town and life with grace and gentleness.

Justin passed away suddenly in his home in the early morning of August 19, 2016. Justin was preceded in death by his stepfather Dr. Edsel G. Doreza. He is survived by his son Elliot Arthur and daughter Chloe Elaine; his mother Rev. Molly Doreza and stepfather Tom Stocki; his father Steven Todd and stepmom Heidi Todd; and his brothers and sisters Jennifer Thurman, Karin Keddie, William Doreza, Sarah Doreza, and step brother Karl Doreza. His death came too soon, too sudden, but his laughter and generosity live on in the countless people who will always love and cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to consider a gift for the well-being and education of our beautiful Swonger children Elliot and Chloe, c/o The Justin Swonger Memorial Fund. (99 Model T Rd., Boulder CO 80302)

Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.