Eugene Swonke

Eugene William Swonke, 88, of Brenham, passed away on February 19, 2021. Eugene was born on May 18, 1932, in Houston, Texas to parents Pete and Frances (Keifel) Swonke. He was 1 of 10 children. When Eugene was in his early teens, the family relocated to Brenham, where he lived the majority of his life.

Throughout the years Eugene ran a dairy farm, large egg production operation and worked at Brentex Cotton Mill. When Eugene wasn't hard at work, he would spend his free time on his garden, which was his pride and joy. He was also a devoted Aggie supporter. Eugene had a great personality and loved to tell jokes, garden, play cards and dominos and he loved to dance.  Both Eugene and wife Eleanor loved dancing so much they were members of the Top Cats Dance Club with numerous friends.

Eugene was united in marriage to his first wife Mary (Nowak) and they were blessed with two children, son David and daughter Pearl. They enjoyed 32 years of marriage before her passing in 1986. Years later, Eugene met and married is current wife Eleanor. Eugene was delighted to see his family grow with the addition of step-children and step-grandchildren. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Mary, brothers Frank, Al, Johnny and Cash, sisters Rosie and Lucille.

Eugene’s wife, Eleanor, died on February 23, 2021. Eugene is survived by his son David, daughter Pearl, husband Dave Campbell; grandchildren Dawson, Matthew and Terry (fiance Karah) Swonke, along with several step-children, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; sisters, Susie and husband Ted Hoffart; Mary Herzog; brother, Brother Martin Swonke, numerous nieces and nephews, Debbie Swonke and other close friends.

Visitation with the family will be at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Thursday, February 25th, from 4:00 pm until the rosary is recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church will be on Friday, February 26th, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.