Virgil Lynn Swett, 90, of Ericson, Nebraska passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at his home with his family by his side.

Virgil was born to Lynn and Ruby (Hartford) Swett on October 12, 1933 in Hyannis, Nebraska. After moving to Garfield County, Virgil began school by walking across the pasture to the Ballagh Community School. During his high school years, he boarded in town with his Aunt Floy Hartford across the street from the Burwell High School. He was a three sport athlete and the Vice President of the Class of 1951. Following graduation, Virgil briefly worked in the Lincoln area prior to returning home to help his father with the ranch.

A naturally quiet man, Virgil married the vivacious Lois Barthel on June 12, 1955 at Burwell Christian Church. They had a faithful enduring marriage for 68 years. To this union five children were born: TR, Robert (Sharon), James (Nancy), Katherine Curry (William), and Susan Fiorino (Joseph). Virgil and Lois also took in Lois' younger sister, Joan, to live with them when the Barthel parents passed away.

Virgil and Lois purchased the Flea Hop Ranch on the Cedar River Road in 1955. They worked there and lived in the same house for over 50 years. A descendant of Nebraska Homesteaders and a true son of the Sandhills, Virgil loved the land and enjoyed raising cattle. He survived the economic crunch of 1980s and generally thrived as a rancher. Over the years, Virgil worked on sale days at the local livestock markets in the auction ring. Despite his failing health and advancing age, he never lost interest in the cattle business.

Virgil was a faithful and long-time member of the Ericson United Methodist Church. He served his community as Garfield County Commissioner for a decade. Virgil served on the boards of the Rural Fire Department and Farm Service Agency. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his five loving children; seventeen grandchildren: Rachelle Wright (Travis), Tyler Swett (Sarah), Steve Swett (Andrea), Jaci Palmer (Jay), Jarrod Swett (Emily), Katie Diediker (Andi), Shyla Curry, Sara Krueger (Logan), Kali Bolli (Taylor), Haley Tvrdy (Ryan), Jacob Curry, Olivia Fiorino, Sofia Fiorino, Dawson Fiorino, Roslyn Fiorino, Gwendolyn Fiorino and Vivian Fiorino; twenty-two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and their families; and a host of friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 68 years, Lois, who passed away on August 15, 2023; his brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Beulah; and all of his in-laws and their spouses.

Sweetened by suffering, Virgil leaves his loved ones with a legacy of patient devotion to Lois, a stoic acceptance of pain and a love of candy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024; at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church. Pastor Steve Swett will officiate. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Ericson United Methodist Church or the Ericson Volunteer Fire Department.

The service will be livestreamed through the Calamus Trinity Methodist & Taylor Calvary Churches Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/GarfieldLoup?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Still Waters Funeral Parlor of Burwell is handing the arrangements 308-346-4551.