Faye E. Swangler

Faye E. Swangler, 88, Grand Forks, ND, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2022, at Ecumen Evergreens of Fargo, North Dakota.

Faye Eleanor Hoffke was born March 10, 1933, to John Hoffke Sr and Dorothy (Cameron) Hoffke in Cavalier County, North Dakota. Faye married George Edward Swangler in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on January 3, 1950. They had seven children within thirteen years.

Tenacious and capable, Faye was no stranger in the garage at George's Transmission Service. As the wife of a Grand Forks Speedway sprint car racer, Faye and the kids spent most weekends at the racetrack before George's unexpected passing.

At 36 years old and with seven school-age children to provide for, Faye went to work at St. Michael's Hospital. Faye worked in the medical industry for 25 years before concluding her career as a Medical Assistant in the office of neurosurgeon Dr. Schmelka in 1996. A practical woman who measured her words, Faye ran a tight ship at work and at home.

Always wanting to be of help, she loved tending to grandchildren and family pets. Faye carefully coordinated fabric prints and colors for the countless handmade quilts and crochet afghan blankets she made for the family. A visit to Faye's guaranteed cookies, Lemon Poppyseed Bread, or Carrot Cake.

Faye moved into Ecumen Evergreens of Fargo Memory Care in 2015, where she resided until her passing. Faye thrived on Ecumen's summer picnics, animal visits, music recitals, and craft activities. Faye had genuine affection for her caregivers, claiming each as her own. Her sharp wit and playful banter made Faye a favorite 'grandma' for many in the building.

Faye was preceded in death by twin sister Fern Hoffke (1933), husband George Swangler (1969), father John Hoffke Sr. (1979), sister Betty Lou Cadreau (1992), mother Dorothy Schreder (1995), sister Mavis Wilson (2006), brother John Hoffke (2015), son Thomas Swangler (2020).

Faye is survived by her children, Kathryn Clouse, Maple Falls, WA; Ronald (Mary) Swangler, Phoenix, AZ; Dennis (Sonja) Swangler, Fargo, ND; David (Mary Kay) Swangler, Mesa, AZ; Robert Swangler, Anchorage, AK; Scott (Julie) Swangler, Grand Forks, ND; brother Vernuce "Vern" Hoffke, Erath, LA; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Faye will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM, Thursday, January 27, 2022, in St. Michael's Catholic Church, 524 North 5th Street, Grand Forks, ND. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley.