Pamela Swigart

Pamela Kay Swigart, age 67 of Gratiot, WI, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, November 1, 2019 after a struggle with stage 4 melanoma cancer. Pam Black was born June 4, 1952 in Freeport, IL the daughter of Robert F. and K. Lenore (Rodda) Black. She took an early interest in music and performed on alto saxophone on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour Show in New York City and was a member of "The Kids from Wisconsin" musical ambassador group for two years. Pam graduated from Shullsburg High School as valedictorian in 1970. She traveled to Europe with the UW-Platteville Wind Ensemble for one summer and graduated from the University in three years summa cum laude with a comprehensive music major, K-12. Pam married Gary D. Swigart on August 11, 1973 at the Apple River Methodist Church. They lived and farmed together in the rural Gratiot area most of their lives. They were blessed with three children: Timothy (Kathy) Swigart of Lanark, IL, Christal (Leah Durtschi) Swigart of Madison, WI, and Gavin (Karla) Swigart of San Diego, CA. Pam is also survived by grandchildren: Jarren, Hudson, Reagan, and Ashlyn Swigart; three brothers: Steve Black of Coon Valley, WI, Tim (Dianna) Black of Morris, IL, and Randy (Scott Martin) Black of Hacienda Heights, CA; and four nieces and nine nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law: Barb Black; and a brother-in-law: Roger Swigart. Pam was a very soft-spoken, loving, and kind woman. She loved music of all kinds and especially loved teaching music to children. She was a "hugger", it was not unusual for her to hug each of her students on a daily basis. She was also an "encourager" as she could always find something good to say about any student. In an enthusiastic manner, she taught her students by example to demonstrate good manners and good character both inside and outside of her classroom. Pam's teaching experience included over fifty years of teaching private music lessons in her home, four years as the 5-12 band teacher at Shullsburg Schools (fifteen years of maternity leave from the public school system to raise her family and continue to give private music lessons in her home), six years as the K-12 vocal director at Benton Schools, and six years as a part-time elementary vocal music instructor, grades K-3, at Warren Schools. She considered it a privilege to be a positive influence on any child's life. Pam also loved the outdoors. She loved to walk, jog, and bike. Mowing the grass, gardening, and tending to her flower beds were some of her favorite activities. She also loved to read. She would get up at 5 A.M. to meet with the Lord - reading devotions, her Bible, and praying for at least an hour every day. She tried to stay as close to God as possible, in every circumstance. Pam was an active member of First Baptist Church in Darlington, WI. She played the organ, piano, or keyboard on a regular basis for many years since the age of thirteen, beginning at the Apple River United Methodist Church. Pam led music for the opening of the Children's Sunday School and worked with the Vacation Bible School for many years. She and her husband were both youth leaders for many years. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church (15691 County Rd. K, Darlington) with Rev. Nick J. McElrath officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Shullsburg. A visitation will be held Friday, November 8, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church.The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Pam's name. Pam's wish for you would be that you read your Bible and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior. Nothing is more important in this life than that. And, pray, pray, pray.The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Solverson of Darlington, Dr. Mark Albertini of UW-Hospital Madison and Dr. Matthew Block of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and Agrace Hospice for their care and compassion over the past six months.