Pamela Swigart

All these years later, I still remember her as one of the most patient, kind and best band teachers I ever had, and that was when I was in elementary school many, many years ago. She was encouraging, motivated me every day, and really listened to her students with a big heart. She will be missed! Ellen (Vodak) Minter

We were blessed to be a part of Pam's church family at FBC and enjoy her talents in music and songs. Her gentle spirit and kind heart will be a memory both Craig and I will never forget. What peace in knowing she is singing with the angels in the presence of the Lord now. It gives all of us something to look forward to someday. We are thinking of you all as you celebrate our sister in Christ on Saturday. To God be the glory forever. Amen

Our sympathy to your family at this very difficult time. Sincerely, David and Jo Kjelland

I can testify that Pam had the patience of a saint even while here on earth. Week after week, various kids showed up at Pam's, many of us unrehearsed and unprepared but she patiently worked with us anyway. I don't recall her ever being frustrated although I'm certain she had reason to be. I read in her obituary that she woke up every day at 5 a.m. and spent an hour praying and reading the Bible. Although I don't recall her ever saying specifically that she prayed for me, my best guess is that she prayed for all of us. Who knows what kind of difference it made although in my own life, it surely has. Even as I read her obituary, I thought, that wonderful lady probably prayed her way through those lessons just like I do so many meetings. I love playing the piano and the organ. Because of Pam's teaching and my parent's commitment to paying for and driving me to lessons, I played for so many special events over the years, church and even for my own enjoyment. Both of my children play as well. My mother would have loved to have learned how to play piano. My dad too, more than likely. But we were the lucky ones and even luckier still to have Pam as our teacher. It turns out she was valedictorian of her class and graduated from college in three years. She could have been anywhere but she was with her husband, raising her family and teaching the kids in town how to practice their scales and perform. She always did it with such joy too. Because of my work, I've had the honor and privilege to be with people who have a fair amount of status in the world. It's rare that someone like Pam receives the honor and recognition they deserve. There was no Mr. Holland's Opus moment for this woman and yet she lived no ordinary life. She gave all she had to everyone she encountered trusting God with the outcome. She lived humbly even though she could have gone anywhere and done anything with her musical talents. I feel so very fortunate tonight to have sat with her at both the piano and the organ from the time I was 9 years old. She coached me up through a number of solo/ensemble competitions as well as quite a few weddings and many church services. She taught so many of us kids how to play. Although I hadn't seen her in many years, my mom told me about how valiantly Pam fought her cancer diagnosis and how strong her faith was. Mom loved that about Pam and I have to say, I do too. She was the best and we were so fortunate to have her in our lives. My heart goes out to her family as I'm sure they had hoped for more time but her legacy will live on through all of the lives she touched, including my own. To Pam, Thank you for caring for all of us, for making us practice our scales, and show up on time. Thank you for teaching us how to be little ladies and gentlemen and for treating us like we were performing at Carnegie Hall while we were at the Apple River Methodist Church. You brought music into so many homes and countless lives. Your homecoming must have been spectacular as the angels welcomed you into heaven. Thank you for bringing out the best in all of us. There is no higher calling. You made each of us feel loved and valued, safe and secure, confident and creative. Rest in peace, my teacher and mentor.

I am so sorry for your loss. We rejoice that she is in heaven and we will see her again. I am sorry I never got to meet her when I walked your soybean fields. May God comfort you and give you peace in the days, weeks and months ahead. Sharon Carter