Glenn D. Swanger, age 95, of Shelby, died early Friday morning, November 28, 2025 at the home he proudly built.
Glenn was born at the family home in Tiro on January 23, 1930, the son of the late William K. and Grace E. (Gutshall) Swanger. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1948. On October 8, 1950, Glenn married the former Bonnie J. Bell and together they celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing on September 20, 2015. For 46 years, Glenn worked at the Tuby in Shelby, retiring in 1995 under the Copperweld ownership.
Woodworking was one of Glenn’s greatest joys. He took pride in building the home where he and Bonnie raised their family and generously shared his skills by helping many family members and friends build kitchen cabinets, furniture, and anything else he could imagine. A hardworking man, Glenn was always ready with a helping hand at his daughter and son-in-law’s greenhouse or on the farm. A collector at heart, he enjoyed collecting farm toys, marbles, and model trains.
Glenn’s love of sports was lifelong—he was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan, enjoyed bowling, and coached little league in his younger years. More recently, he found enjoyment in working puzzles.
Glenn is survived by his children: Mike (Linda) Swanger of Shelby and Sally (Andy) Daron of Plymouth; grandchildren: Kevin (Christa) Swanger, Amy (Jeff) Fullen, Amanda Daron, Ben Daron, and Andie (Shawn) Gray; great grandchildren: Logan Swanger, Hailey (Nick) Bartlett, Grant (Kay) Steinmetz, Cheyenne Steinmetz, Carson Steinmetz, and Grace Gray; sister: Elsie Shepherd of Shelby; sister-in-law: Carol Sutter of Shelby; his caring neighbors and caregiver: Bill and Janet Kehres and Raychel Broderick; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Glenn was preceded in death by his brothers: Frank Swanger, Kenneth Swanger, Bill Swanger, and Don Swanger; and sisters: Beatrice Baker, Gladys Ewing, Helen Lybarger, and Mildred Pugh.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11 am. Pastor Jim Trainer will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Those attending calling hours or funeral services are encouraged to wear Glenn’s favorite color, red. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice.
Condolences may be left on Glenn’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Glenn’s Tribute Video, click here: Glenn’s Tribute Video.
I can honestly say I loved getting up at 5:00am every morning to go hang with this gentleman. I will miss my hug every morning after breakfast. I will miss everything. But so happy I met him! A true Gentleman. They don’t make em like that that anymore.❤️
My deepest condolences.
Sally and Andy and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Glenn. A life well-lived and a gentleman well-loved. He was blessed to have you all in his world. Love you all.
Mike Linda and family plus all his good friends
Went by his home many times always kept up and he would wave
He lived a good long life
Know you have are sincere sympathy
I’m sure you have many good memories
My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Elsie Shepherd. So sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. Prayers you are blessed with many precious memories in the days to come ❣️
Mike, Sally and family
We were very sorry to hear of dad’s passing. He was always glad to see you boys hanging out together when you were in school and after you graduated. I know you had a great time with him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. But we have such great memories that will always be with us.
Glenn was a blessed man. He was always helping others and always had a smile on his face. He was loved by many, including the entire Kehres Family. I am sure he has a smile on his face right now because he is with his beloved wife, Bonnie! God Bless the Swanger family.
Sorry for your loss. Thinking about your family.
Love and prayers to Glenn’s entire family. He was a very special man I’ve known my whole life. Treasure all the wonderful memories in your hearts. He is up in Heaven celebrating with Bonnie now. God bless all of you. Jocelyn McAuley
Hailey & Family, I am sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. HUGS
Sally our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family after the passing of your dad. We didn’t know him personally, but we all Dad’s are special. May you be blessed with those heart warming memories and find comfort in those memories in those difficult times. God be with you all during this time