Marcia J. Swift

Marcia J. Swift, 86, of La Crosse passed away Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. She was born Feb. 22, 1938, in Milwaukee, to Edward and Eugenia (Slupianowski) Migacz. 

She graduated from Crivitz (Wis.) High School in 1956. She continued her education and received her degree in dental hygiene from Marquette University’s School of Dentistry.

On Feb. 7, 1959, she married Robert Swift in Crivitz. Together they raised their five children, Cheryl, David, Leanne, Sandra and Allan. 

Marcia worked as a dental hygienist in Madison, and then Manitowoc, Wis., until the family moved to La Crosse in 1980, where she and her husband owned and operated Walsh Golf Center until their son took over the business.

Marcia was an accomplished painter and enjoyed sewing, knitting and playing cards. She volunteered for several groups throughout her life, including Meals on Wheels and Girl Scouts, and assisted teaching C.C.D. at her church. She also had served as president of the Friends of La Crosse Symphony.

She and her husband enjoyed an active retirement in their winter home in Sebring. Fla., for many years. 

In addition to her husband, Bob, she is survived by her five children, Cheryl Swift of New York City, David (Megan) Swift of La Crosse, Leanne (Brad) Becker of Castle Rock, Colo., Sandra Brudvig of Williamsburg, Va., and Allan (Judy) Swift of Holmen; a sister, Sharon Rice of Downingtown, Penn.; 10 grandchildren, Andrew (Abby) Swift, Katie (Colton) Fields, Emily (Greg) Wiora, Anna (Mike) Johnson, Lauren (Stephen) Bennett, David Becker, Daniel Becker, Carolyn Swift, Ben Swift and Molly Swift; nine great-grandchildren, Theo and Margot Swift, Logan Fields, Lena and Arthur Wiora, Otto, William and Noah Johnson and Nolan Bennett; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Wayne Migacz; and a great-grandson, Milo Swift, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse, with Father Robert Letona officiating. A private family burial service will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue S., La Crosse. Visitation will continue from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to The Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse Symphony or the Dementia Society of America. An online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.