Obituary | Willard E. Swanke of Rhame, North Dakota | Krebsbach Funeral Service (2024)

Willard E. Swanke, 81 of Rhame, ND, passed away on July 25, 2024 at the Southwest Healthcare Services in Bowman.

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Willard Edward Swanke (Willie) passed away peacefully on July 25th 2024 at the Southwest Health Care in Bowman.

Willard was born in Colorado the son of Beryl Willis Swanke and Robert Edward Swanke on March 6th 1943. He attended school in Marmarth and Graduated High School in 1961 from Rhame High School. He furthered his education at NDSU in Fargo. After his close friend Lowell Faris set him up on a blind date he married Barbara Kay Brown on May 29th 1965. They settled on the Cedar Ridge Ranch. Being the second generation to pursue the dream of ranching. Where they raised their three children Kevin, Chris and Tara. Being the optimistic rancher he was, he introduced many new opportunities to the ranch. He introduced the Braunvieh breed to the Cedar Ridge Ranch. A breed he believed in. He was proud to carry on the tradition of The Swanke Beef. Raising, finishing and processing his beef. He also was one of the first ranchers to try ultra sounding in cattle.He worked hard but also played hard. He lived for going to team ropings, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He never would pass up a game of cards. He made many friends by making every hunting trip a memorable one. And you can guarantee if there was a coyote in sight you were then yote hunting and he made sure it was on his side of the pickup. When times got hard on the ranch in the 90’s his love for hunting and to utilize the badlands became an opportunity to be a new adventure. He managed to build an endeavor. Willard founded Cedar Ridge Elk Ranch. With this was many hours promoting his hunts and making others dreams come true of hunting the majestic Bull elk in the beautiful badlands. He enjoyed each hunt as much as the hunter. As his kids grew he graciously stepped back to let them take on the livelihood of ranching. Getting to raise their kids on the ranch. He was very supportive of his kids activities and those of his grandkids. When asked about his kids or grandkids he said I am the luckiest man to have them so close and so very proud of them all. Willard was always up to a good game of cards or marbles. He liked to attend poker tournaments and made sure all his kids/ grandkids knew how to play pinochle and poker. As he and Barb retired, they made their summer home by a lake. Enjoying times with friends and fishing every day. In the off fishing days he passed his time by working in his wood shop known as Skrew Up Karpentree. After Barb passed away he extended his love for family even more and married JoAnnErickson at the Catholic Church in Marmarth. Willard and JoAnn enjoyed their time together immensely. Enjoying drives in the ranger especially seeing the land and delivering slushes to the haying crew. The best days for them was having family stop by for visits. JoAnn came to realize Willard’s quick whit and humor rather quickly and loved him dearly.

Willard is survived by his wife JoAnn, son Kevin, Daughters Chris (Raymond) Lee and Tara (Kelly) Turbiville. His Grandchildren Tyler (Nicole) Swanke, Sterling and Sierra Lee, Colton and Tucker Turbiville. JoAnn’s children David (Deanna)Erickson, Mark(DeeAnn) Erickson, Craig Erickson and Jeremiah Erickson. Sister in-law Berta Swanke and niece Lisa (Dick) Nunez and nephew Shad ( Melissa) Swanke

He is Proceeded in death by his Wife Barb, Parents Robert and Beryl Swanke, Brother Dennis Swanke

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