Albert Swale, Jr.

Albert R. Swale, Jr., 89, of Clear Lake, died April 3, 2015, at Oakwood Care Center, in Clear Lake. 

Per Al’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will be in West Union Cemetery, in West Union, Iowa.

Al was born Jan. 18, 1926, in West Union, the son of Albert and Ethel (Matzenger) Swale. He graduated from West Union High School, class of 1943.

Al joined the V-12 Naval Officer’s program in Oxford, Ohio following high school. He received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy from the Midshipman’s school at Northwestern University. After serving in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy, Al attended Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He was employed by Stanley Engineering, of Muscatine, Iowa, traveling extensively, doing major city projects such as municipal pools and sewer systems.  

Al made Clear Lake his retirement home in 1997.  During retirement he volunteered with Opportunity Village, helping restore household appliances for resale in the Village General Stores. He also worked extensively with Nest Watch, counting Eastern Blue Birds in the Clear Lake area.

Al was married to Lovah Smith from 1973-1979.  They lived in Muscatine, Elmhurst, Ill., and Villa Park, Ill.

Al is survived by a sister, Mary Hamilton, of Clarksville, Tenn.; nieces and nephews, Charles (Carole) Hamilton, David (Mary) Hamilton, Rosemary (Dan) Kallemyn, Thomas (Sandra) Swale, Steve (Mary Kay) Swale, and Rebecca (John) Cahoon; a sister-in-law, Sylvia Swale, of Clear Lake; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Don and Ralph Swale; and a brother-in-law, Bernard Hamilton.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.