Don Swangel

Donald Alvin Swangel, 86, passed away on October 25, 2014, peacefully, at his home in Riverside, CA. surrounded by many family members. He died from complications of CHF. And was under the care of Cambridge Hospice.

The service will be held on Thursday, October 30 at 10 am, at Acheson Graham Mortuary in Riverside, CA. with pastor Bob Winkler officiating. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 29 from 4 to 7pm.

Donald was born in Montezuma, Iowa on June 4, 1928. He was the 4th of 5 sons born to Edna and Alva Swangel. He grew up on a farm and graduated from Malcom High School in Malcom, Iowa in 1946. Donald first married Ruth Michael. They moved to Visalia, CA. in 1947, where he worked in the dairy industry. After moving to Bellflower, he continued working for the dairy and was a pasteurizer. Later, he owned “The Little Steak House” for a few years.

He married Carole (Markell) in 1964 and moved his family to The Big Island of Hawaii.in 1966.He built a lava rock home for his large family. He was a lay minister for the Church of Christ in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. He was very involved in the growing community.

Donald was a volunteer fireman and was fire chief for one year. And was voted fireman of the year one year. He helped to organize the HOVE Community Association, as well as, helped build the Community Center building. He was president of the Association for 2 years. Don served as a Hawaiian election official, transporting ballots to Hilo in all elections.

Don was a carpenter, mason, as well as putting up water tanks and systems. He also supervised the road crew and retired from that job in 1993. After his retirement, He and Carole operated the Leilani Bed and Breakfast for some nine years. Due to health reasons, they moved back to Southern California in 2004 to be closer to family.

His many hobbies were playing pinochle, reading, putting jigsaw puzzles together, Sudoku. He loved “Game Night” with family and to travel. His last trip was a cruise through the Panama Canal with his wife, Carole in 2013. The couple was looking forward to celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this coming Dec. 5th.

The family have many great memories of their father and grandfather. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, children; Marcia Derrick, Michael (Cora) Swangel, Judy (Don) Richards, Robert (Dagmar) Reeves,

David (Dorene) Reeves, Lani (Mundus) Lomeli and Roy (Aida) Swangel. Twenty-eight grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also his brother Paul(Hazel) Swangel of New Sharon, Iowa. As well as many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Edna Swangel, his 2 sons Richard and Roger Swangel and 3 brothers. Ralph (Arlene) Swangel, Warren (Millie) Swangel, Henry (Mildred) Swangle.