Mitchell “Mitch” Lee Swinderman, 68, of Merced, CA, passed away on January 18, 2024, at 6:50 AM, at his home. Mitch was born on July 24, 1955, in Keokuk, Iowa to Jerry and Mary Swinderman.
As a child, Mitch and his three brothers, Mike, Mark, and Martin, enjoyed life in Donnellson, Iowa. In Mitch’s early teens, the family left Iowa and moved to Visakhapatnam, India, for his father Jerry's work with Chevron. This work allowed the family to visit several countries.
In 1969, the Swinderman family moved to California where Mitch finished his junior and senior years at Pinole Valley High School. It was in Pinole that Mitch met his future wife, Kathleen Corr (Kathy). They married June 22, 1974, at St. David’s Church, Richmond, CA.
Mitch attended Contra Costa College and received his degree. He volunteered, during this time, as a Richmond, CA, Police Reserve Officer.
Mitch worked for Greif Corporation for 46 years; he retired as Plant Superintendent in 2019.
Mitch very much enjoyed John Wayne movies, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, his classic cars (’66 Corvette and ’65 Mustang), golf, and going on family vacations.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Kathy; his sons, James Edward and Jason Lee of Merced, CA; and two grandchildren, Anissa and Bryan Swinderman of Fresno, CA; his brother, Martin of Benecia, CA, Mark II of Mesa, AZ; a niece, Natalie (John) Sagun of Benecia, CA, as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Mary; his two brothers, Michael and Mark; as well as other aunts and uncles.
There will be no services per Mitch’s request. Burial will be in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, IA. A private memorial will be held later. Donations can be made to Hinds Hospice, Merced, CA.
King-Lynk Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at
www.kinglynk.com
