Fred Swank, 79, of Ames, died Saturday, Aug. 25, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames, with Father Ivan Nienhaus officiating.
Fred Swank was born Oct. 12, 1927 Ames, to Frederick C. and Florence (Batman) Swank. He graduated from Ames High School in 1945, and later from Kansas City Watchmaking School. He married Shirley Davenport April 23, 1949, in Kansas City. Fred was the owner of Swank Jewelry Store with his son Rick in downtown Ames.
He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Ames Golf and Country Club, B.P.O.E. Elks Club #1626 of Ames and American Legion Post # 37 of Ames. Fred was a watchmaker, a member of American Gem Society, and served many years on the Retail Jewelry Organization, where he was a board member.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Swank, of Ames; one son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Theresa Swank, of Ames; one daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Bill Nutty, of Ames; one brother, Richard (Jean) Swank, of Redding, Conn.; four granddaughters, Amy (A.J.) DeCamp, Kati Swank, Emily Smith and Elizabeth Nutty; one great-granddaughter, Madison Swank; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Bothell
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Cecilia Catholic Church or Mary Greeley Foundation Homeward Hospice.
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 292-2273, is assisting the family with arrangements.