David L. Swift, 69, of Freeport, IL, formerly of, Lena, IL passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.  He was born on July 22, 1955 in Freeport, IL to Bill and Verla (Broege) Swift.  Dave met the love of his life, Jan Folgate, at the Lena Q in 1972. From that point on, they were inseparable and were married on June 26, 1976 in Lena, IL at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Dave graduated from Warren High School in 1973. His love for music started early. To his mother's dismay, he chose to play the drums at age 13. He played in the marching band throughout high school and was in many local rock bands including Zoid, Rage, Damian, Mason Brother's Band, Neighborhood, Flashback and Rockitt. With his best show opening for REO Speedwagon

He started working at 13 years old, riding his bike to the Warren Drive Inn where he was a cook and found his love for a good cheeseburger. He was a salesman from day one, and started his professional career working at the Warren Gamble store at the age of 15. He then worked at Warren Auto, Hoy Ford, Leamon's Furniture and McNett Chevrolet until he branched out on his own with wife, Jan, and partner Jeff Opie to open Lena Auto Mart in 1981.

Throughout the years, Dave was very active and held leadership roles in several organizations in the Lena and Freeport communities. This includes but is not limited to the Lena Business and Professional Association, Lena Lions Club, Freeport Chamber of Commerce, the Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and many other boards.

After over 25 years in the car business and with the love and support of his wife, Jan, they established Swift Hospitality Group. Through his leadership of Swift Hospitality, and in partnership with his team and investors, he cultivated the development and acquisition of 32 properties over twenty years. The property he had the most pride in, which was also his last, was when his vision for a local senior living community became a reality in WinnPraire Assisted Living and Memory Care. Dave was also a sponsor and developer of the Highland Community College Hospitality Program.  His legacy will live on in those he mentored and provided opportunities for both in business and his personal life. Dave was proud of his accomplishments, but he was the proudest of the family he and Jan built. In his free time, he enjoyed his Corvettes, music, cheering on his grandchildren in their many activities, traveling, a good meal with fine wine.

Dave is survived by his wife of 48 years Jan, of Freeport, daughter; Amy (Shane) Johnson of Lodi, WI, son; Brice (Danielle) Swift of Lena, IL, three grandchildren; Alexandria (Brandon) Taylor,  Zoe (fiancée Andre Minnaert) Johnson, and Jaxson Swift all 3 of Lena, brother; Jon Swift of Warren, brothers-in-law; Bob (Marcy) Folgate of Freeport, and Jeff (Veronica) Folgate of Albuquerque, NM,  his recently found family; Helen, Jay, Julyn, Jason, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law; John and Irene Folgate, brothers-in-law; Jim and Ron Folgate, and recently found family Jerry and Jolene.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

A visitation will be from 1:00 PM-4:00PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Pastor Jim Parish and Hospice Chaplain Jeremy Heller will co-officiate the services.

Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory.