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).