1
tree
planted in memory of Stuart Boyd Switzer
Obituary for Stuart Boyd Switzer
Stuart Boyd Switzer, age 82, of Harrisburg, Illinois passed away Friday, November 10, 2023 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born June 26, 1941 in Kankakee, Illinois to Stuart H. and Ama E. (Cron) Switzer. Stu married Jean Komarek on February 20, 1966 in Harrisburg, Illinois.
He graduated from Manteno High School in 1959 and then attended SIU-Carbondale, graduating with his Master’s in 1966. He was a member of the TKE fraternity. He began his career at A.L. Bowen Children’s Center as the Activity Therapist. After rising to Activity Director, he worked at that position until that facility closed. He later went on to work for IYC as the Leisure Time Supervisor before retiring in 2001.
Stu was diagnosed with COPD and this eventually led to him receiving a double lung transplant in 1994. This gave him a second lease on life and he made the most of this opportunity. He subsequently required a kidney transplant in 2004 which he received from his niece, Sally Sullivan. A second kidney transplant was done in 2010.
He enjoyed many hobbies including tennis, golf, bowling, horseback riding and photography. He was able to participate in the US Transplant Games. He was an avid Rams football fan and loved talking sports with his nephew, Terry Linskey. He adored his grandchildren and loved attending their events and spending time with them. He enjoyed socializing with his “posse” on a regular basis and the fellowship and camaraderie with both of his bowling leagues. If the sun was shining he could be found on the golf course with his golfing buddies or outside working in his yard. He was a member of Kiwanis.
He attended the First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Stu is survived by his loving wife, Jean Switzer; daughter, Valerie Lynn and husband Chris Penrod of Harrisburg, IL; son, Daniel Stuart and wife Candi Switzer of Bartlett, TN; grandchildren, Jada Penrod, Jacob Penrod and fiancé Sophie Winkleman, Nick Switzer and Cate Switzer, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents and sisters, Phyllis Brown, Mary Catherine Linskey and Jeanne C. Webber.
Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, Illinois with Pastor Lynette Barnett officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are in care of the J. M. Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Caring for Kids” at the First United Methodist Church.
To plant a tree in memory of Stuart Boyd Switzer, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
18
Nov
11:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
Harrisburg First United Methodist Church
West Poplar St.
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Service
Saturday
18
Nov
1:00 PM
Harrisburg First United Methodist Church
West Poplar St.
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Cemetery Details
Location
Sunset Lawn Cemetery
_
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Memorial Contribution
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