Stephen Francis Swindler

Stephen Francis Swindler—Steve to most, Dad or Grandpa to the lucky ones—passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on January 27, 1942, to Frank and Greta, Steve lived a life that was big-hearted, full of wisdom, and always a little bit ornery. Steve was the kind of man you could sit with for hours. He could talk to anyone—about anything—and make you feel heard, empowered, and understood. A master conversationalist, he had the rare gift of making people feel like they mattered. Whether you were 8 or 80, he talked to you like you were a person with something important to say. And he meant it. Steve had a type-A brain with a type-B soul. He was sharp, informed, and stubborn in the most lovable ways. He was known for phrases like “Might as well—can’t dance” and “it’s too wet to plow,” along with his trademark goodbye: “Toodles.” He kept up on politics and current events, read voraciously, and delighted in learning something new every day. He could grill like nobody’s business, often humming and whistling while flipping steaks. His cooking wasn’t just good—it was part of how he loved people; cooking was his love language. And when you were around his table, you knew it. A proud Navy veteran, Steve served as a Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 2nd Class at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts. After playing college football and graduating from Ball State University, Steve built a respected career in the animal health industry, ultimately serving as President and Chief Operations Officer at Walco International, Inc. Known for his strategic mind and no-nonsense leadership style, Steve was a mentor to many and a boss you never forgot—for all the right reasons. After retirement, Steve taught real estate courses, rode his award-winning Harley Davidson, and spent his time doing what he loved most: cooking for his family, reading to his grandchildren, and cheering everyone on from the sidelines of their lives. Steve’s marriage to Carol, his wife and best friend, was the real deal. Their love was obvious to anyone who saw them together—full of laughter, respect, and an unshakable bond. Together, they built a life that blended families and bridged chapters, offering their children a glimpse into a partnership rooted in commitment, growth, and good humor. Steve’s journey as a father was anything but conventional—and all the more meaningful because of it. Whether by blood, by adoption, or by marriage, he showed up in the lives of his children with sincerity and heart. Though geography sometimes separated them, his role as a father never wavered in spirit. He led with presence when he could, with wisdom when asked, and always with love. He was the kind of dad who believed in you before you believed in yourself. Steve was the patriarch of a grateful family: his beloved wife Carol; daughter Lori (Cliff) Rosenberg; son Scott (Michelle) Swindler; son Jeremy (Janine) Winters; and son Brandon (Kara) Winters. He leaves behind grandchildren, his brother Frank (Leslie) Swindler, sister Mary (Roger) Hanmer, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends whose love for him ran just as deep. He was bigger than life, but never acted like it. He was humble, funny, full of love, and deeply human. We are heartbroken to lose him, but grateful to have had him. It truly was a life well lived. And we know exactly where we’ll find him: riding a Harley on some beautiful back road in heaven, humming a tune, the grill hot, and the conversation waiting. Toodles, Steve. We love you A celebration of life for Steve is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at 12:00pm at the Thompson Barn in Lenexa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to Tunnel to Towers: dogood.t2t.org/IMOStephenSwindler

Stephen Francis Swindler

January 27, 1942 - April 8, 2025