John Swaney

John, 82 went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 13, 2026 near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A Memory Care Remembrance Service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:30 PM at Emerald Crest (1855 10th Avenue West - House #3) in Shakopee, MN. Pastor Arlen Solem will lead prayers. John will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in Oregon.

He was born to Pauline and Ernie Swaney near San Francisco, CA on March 8, 1944. John lived in San Mateo, California until the age of 10. His family then moved to Seattle, Washington where his mom ran the printing shop at the Crista Ministries campus. John attended the King’s schools on campus where he met his wife Jacque when they were juniors in high school at King’s Garden High School.

John and Jacque were married in September 1963 in Canby, Oregon. Their son Mike was born in 1964 and their daughter Emily in 1970. John attended Portland State University and got his Bachelor’s degree. He worked his way through college at a paper mill near Willamette Falls.

They were very involved at Central Bible Church in Portland, Oregon and Multnomah School of the Bible. John, Jacque, Mike and Emily joined the mission field with Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1973. John taught high school biology, chemistry and physics to Missionary kids at Faith Academy. He was also a junior dorm advisor and taught photography. Their son, Matt was born in Manila in 1975. John attended a program in the Philippines through Azusa Pacific University to obtain his Masters degree.

John always loved all aspects of science. He would collect and pin tropical unique insects from Manila and mail them to a friend he had at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Their missionary journey ended in 1977 when they returned to Portland, Oregon. John taught at Park Rose High School for one year before getting a job teaching 8th grade earth science and at Broadway middle school in Seaside, Oregon. John’s science interests in Seaside included oceanography, marine biology, the ring of fire and astronomy. He was selected to fly in a helicopter over Mount St. Helens after it had erupted.

John and Jacque were always very involved in their local church communities participating in BSF, small groups, volunteer opportunities with active marines and sailors, Awana, Sunday School and bible teaching.

They moved to Oceanside, California from Seaside, Oregon in 1985. John taught High School Biology and Chemistry at Santa Fe Christian High School for 2 years and finished out his teaching career at Margarita Middle School in Temecula, CA teaching 8th grade earth science as well as running the student Christian club. John retired from teaching in 2007.

John was very involved in volunteering at the Christian Servicemen’s center and the Faith Warrior Ministry serving US Marines and US Navy Sailors. His hobbies included BSF, Sunday School, church small group, Christian camping club, woodworking, attempted golfing, bowling, swimming, and most of all reading. John loved reading the bible, commentaries and books on history especially Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln.

John was a wonderful grandpa to all his grandchildren and loved spending time with them when he and Jacque would make it possible for all three children’s families to be together at the beach. He was always known for being funny and his quick wit was appreciated by everyone.

Preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Marilyn, his daughter in law Laurel Swaney and Grandson Joey Matuza. Survived by his brothers, George and Dave and children, Mike, Emily (Joe) Matuza, and Matt (Christy). Grandchildren include Gabriel Swaney, Jacque Matuza, Jacob Swaney, Caleb Swaney, Marc Matuza, Liv Swaney, Michael Swaney, Luke Matuza, Isaac Swaney, Duren Swaney and Jia Jia Swaney. "Sumaiyo nawa ang kapayapaan" ~ Peace be with you. In lieu of gifts please make contributions to Wycliffe Bible Translators or Sebaste Christian Church in the Philippines. Landbank of the Philippines Culasi Branch, Centro Poblacion, Culasi Antique 5708 Philippines. Acct Number: 3376232432 Swift Code: TLBPPHMMXXX.