Dennis Swatek

Cottage Grove - Dennis J. Swatek, age 43, passed away on October 3, 2012 at UW Hospital following a courageous battle with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
Dennis was born on January 23, 1969, in Madison, WI the son of Gerald and Judy Swatek. He was a graduate of Stoughton High Class of 1987 and was a three sport athlete (football, wrestling and baseball). Dennis continued to play baseball until 2010 as a member of the Cottage Grove Home Talent League team contributing to three state titles. He also enjoyed golfing, fantasy football and watching his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Most importantly, he loved spending quality time with his two daughters.
Following his graduation from UW Whitewater in 1993 Dennis joined Hamlin Industries in Lake Mills where he continued his work until his health declined. As the Global IS Manager, Dennis was able to travel to locations around the world.
He married his high school sweetheart, Tyna Moe on June 7, 1997. Dennis enjoyed spending time with his family and raising his daughters, Payton and Paige. He actively supported his daughters' involvement in karate, watching practices, and taking them to tournaments around the country.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Tyna; precious daughters, Payton Anna and Paige Lynn (both named after Dennis' sports heros); his parents, Gerald and Judy Swatek of Stoughton; sister, Tammy (Brian) Ludeman of Waterloo; two brothers, Mike (Debbie) Swatek of Stoughton and Dan Swatek of Sacramento, CA; his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Judy Moe of Stoughton; brother-in-law, Todd Moe of McFarland; and sister-in-law, Traci (Jerry) Harried of Geneva, IL. He is further survived by five nieces and two nephews, Justine and KaLeigh Ludeman, Stephanie, Troy and Rachel Moe and Brad and Emily Harried. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Evelyn Swatek, Viola Floerke and Darwin Haag.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 8, 2012 at West Koshkonong Lutheran Church, 1911 Koshkonong Rd, Stoughton, with Rev. Richard Dowling officiating. Burial will follow in West Koshkonong Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon following the burial in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made either to the UW Carbone Cancer Center (to support research to find a cure for CTCL in Dennis' name) or to the children (Payton and Paige Swatek) for their education.
The family wants to thank all of the nurses and staff at the UW Hospital cancer unit for all of their care for Dennis and family. A special thank you to, Dr. Longo and Linda Eckstein for their dedication to treating Dennis' rare disease.
#34 Forever
God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you, and whispered, "Come with me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts, to prove to us, He only takes the best.
Cress Funeral Services
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244