Ralph Clayton Swanciger

ARIZONA CITY - Ralph Clayton Swanciger, 88, of Arizona City died peacefully on Feb. 28, 2009, surrounded by his family.


Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in Casa Grande. The funeral there will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Gary Biancini officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mr. Swanciger was born Aug. 28, 1920 in Coffeen, Ill., to Cleo (Bunton) and Steve Swanciger. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a motor machinist's mate first class. After discharge in 1945 he went to work for York Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, staying for 45 years. He was a member of United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters for 62 years. He also was a founding instructor at the Las Vegas Vocational Technical High School's refrigeration program and taught there for 17 years. He was a longtime resident of Las Vegas and after retirement moved to Arizona City.

He was devoted to his family, students and friends and had a deep passion for life. He was president of the German-American Club in Las Vegas. He was very social and enjoyed square dancing, RV travel and working.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Velma; a daughter, Gloria Eddy of Arizona City; two sons, Gary and Larry Swanciger of Las Vegas; a sister, Virginia Compis of Illinois; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.