Russell W. Swigart

Russell W. Swigart, 92, of Omaha, formerly of St. Paul, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Hillcrest Country Estates in Papillion.

As a final gift of service to others, Russ chose to donate his body to medical science, contributing to the healing and learning of future generations. A celebration of Russ’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in St. Paul. Pastor Nicole Schwartz-Eck will be offering words of comfort. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to services at the church.

Russell W. Swigart was born on January 2, 1934, in Omaha, to Warren Russell and Rita Haight Swigart. He attended Park Elementary School, South High School, and Benson High School, and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Omaha, all in Omaha.

Russell’s early work experience was with KOIL Radio Station, Bozell & Jacobs Advertising, business office at Fruehauf Trailer Company, NOMA Lights Company, General Appliance Co., World Radio Co., and since 1963, he worked as business manager of Children’s Hospital in Omaha; Administrator of the Wakefield Hospital and Care Center, and St.

Paul hospital and clinic.

He was extremely proud of his father, who served as a city councilman in Omaha and also a state representative in the Nebraska Legislature.

Russell married Janice Shinrock of Omaha in 1953 at Auburn, and they brought forth five children. They moved to St. Paul in 1983, where they have stayed ever since. Russ retired from the hospital after eighteen years in 2001 and has kept busy serving on boards of various organizations, was a founding member of the St. Paul Rotary Club, and spent a great deal of time at the St. Paul Country Club on the golf course.

He has been active in his church, the St. Paul United Methodist Church, and served as a mentor in the Teammates Mentoring program. The fall of each year was devoted to Nebraska Football.

Those left to cherish his memory are three children and their spouses, Todd (Jackie) Swigart of Phoenix, Arizona; Tracy (Von) Townsend of Papillion, and Kristin Bartholomew of Altamonte Springs, Florida. Additional survivors include daughter-in-law, Cynthia Swigart of Port St. Lucie, Florida; sonin- law, Frank Zymball of Blue Springs, Missouri sister, Redella Pepper of Alexandria, Virginia; eleven grandchildren; six step grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and many great step- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; daughter, Karen Zymball; son, Scott Swigart; brother and sister-inlaw, Merle and Judy Swigart; and brother-inlaw, Dr. F.J. Pepper.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Howard County Medical Center Foundation or St. Paul United Methodist Church.

The Phonograph-Herald | April 29, 2026