William Swanger

William R. "Bill" Swanger, 80, of Winthrop Harbor, went to be with his Lord and Savior August 23, 2014. Bill was born May 9, 1934 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He married Donna McAdams on October 17, 1958 at the Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Bill was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, received his degree in Theology from Immanuel Bible College, Atlanta, Georgia, and also attended the Detroit Baptist Seminary. Bill served in various churches throughout his life. He was a pastor at the Oakman Boulevard Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, the Open Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Grace Missionary Church in Zion, Illinois. He also served various churches as interim minister since 2001, the most recent being with the Crossview Evangelical Free Church in Antioch, Illinois. Bill was an exemplary servant of the Lord. His patient, kind persona simply mirrored the Lord Jesus, and no less than multitudes were recipients of his wonderful ministry. Even while under final medical treatments, physicians were blessed by his testimony. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather we could have ever asked God for. We miss you, and are so blessed to know that we will see you around the throne of God. "Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve..." Colossians 3:24. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Donna Swanger; children Bill (Carolyn) Swanger, Dixie (Kieron) Davis, and Brett Swanger; grandchildren Erin Gilligan, Brady Bush, Ellen Thibault, Daniel Swanger, and David Swanger; and great-grandchildren Benaiah, Jonathan, Abigail, Josiah and Tirzah. Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, William Clifford and Elsie Bertha Swanger. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Crossview Evangelical Free Church, 750 Highview Drive, Antioch, IL. A visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A private interment was held for the family at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. Memorial donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Crossview Evangelical Free Church.