John Martin Swinsen

WINONAJohn "Jack" Martin Swinsen, 81 of Winona, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at his home.The youngest of 5 children, Jack was born December 22, 1933 in Winona to Edwin and Leone (Berger) Swinsen. After finishing school at Winona Senior High School, Jack worked briefly as a taxi driver for Winona Cab Company before being inducted in the U.S. Army on April 22, 1953. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal before he was honorably discharged in 1955. Jack was united in marriage to Judith A. Kropidlowski in 1960 and they were later divorced. After his military service, Jack worked at IBM and later as a letter carrier for the Winona post office for 30 years until his retirement in 1990. He also worked as a city bus driver after he retired. Jack enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, softball, and bowling. He was an active member of fraternal organizations, especially the American Legion, from where he was to receive his 60-year membership award in March. Jack's helping hand was extended to many; he will be greatly missed.He is survived by his ex-wife, Judith Swinsen of Winona; children, Jodi (Mark) Healy, Julie (George) Kosidowski, and Ed Swinsen; grandchildren, Aaron (Mackenzie) Spitzer and Jacob (Emily) Kosidowski; great-grandchildren, Kiana Ties-Olson, Hazel Spitzer, Henry Spitzer, Meta Spitzer, and baby Kosidowski due March 20, 2015; and several nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Robert, Thelma, JoAnn, and Maxine.Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with a luncheon provided in the event center. Full military honors by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post #9 will begin at 1pm.Please share a memory of Jack with his family and sign the online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.