John H Swan

July 20, 1928 - August 14, 2022

John passed away at home on August 14, 2022 with his two daughters by his side. Born on July 20, 1928 to John Frederick and Bertha (Hanson) Swan, both who immigrated from Sweden as children. John was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. John was a proud Marine who traveled the world and served as a Cannonier in the Korean War. After his military service, John joined the Des Moines Police Department in 1952, where he spent the next 36 years serving his community. John worked his way through the ranks, including time as head of Juvenile, and retired a Captain 1988. As a Police officer, John worked many extra jobs, with most of those jobs being at Lincoln High School during the years his daughters attended Lincoln. John was proud of his service to his country and community. He was selected to go on an Honor Flight trip in 2014. Most recently, the Des Moines Police Department honored him with a drive-by recognition for his 94th birthday and celebrated him as the oldest living retiree of the DMPD. In addition to his public service as a Police Officer, John and his wife, Marge, owned a convenience store on the south side of Des Moines. Together, they bravely cared for and nurtured their son, Scott, who acquired a severe brain injury at the age of three. John and Marge encouraged Scott’s social and physical development with activities and additional education, back in a day when services for those with a disability were not readily available. John was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie (Champ) Swan, son, John “Scott” Swan and Sister, Margaret (Tim) Spiller. John will be missed by those who survive him, especially daughters, Susan (Kevin) Hartnett, and Shellie (Chuck) Reitzel. Six grandchildren Aimee (Paul) Melodia. Beau (Ellen) Boskey, Briana (Chad) Frislie, Benjamin Boskey, Alaina (Jay) Fisk, Alex (Nichole) Hartnett and four great-grandchildren, Jasper Frislie, Aksel Frislie, Bjorn Frislie and Noelle Hartnett and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa.