Ronald "Ron" John Swestka

Ronald “Ron” John Swestka age 73 of Cresco, IA, died Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Protivin, with Rev. Thiet Hoang celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Holy Trinity Church Cemetery, Protivin.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Protivin, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. Rosary. There will be no public visitation before the Mass on Saturday. The family requests that you take your seat in the church upon arrival, in prayer for Ron, and join them for a meal and fellowship at the Community Center following the burial.

Ronald “Ron/Ronnie” was born in Cresco on January 3, 1953, to John and Marcella (Denner) Swestka. He grew up with 7 siblings and attended Rudolphinum grade school in Protivin and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1971. He continued his education at Minnesota Business School, building a foundation that would serve him well throughout his life and career. From an early age, he understood the value of honest work, responsibility, and the importance of family ties that would remain central to him always.

A forever bond began in January of 1953 when Ron Swestka and Joyce Stapleton were crib mates in the Cresco hospital, born just a day apart. That early connection grew into a lifelong love as the two became high school sweethearts. Ronnie and Joyce were united in marriage on November 18, 1972, at Holy Trinity Parish in Protivin. Their marriage was built on faith, partnership, and a shared commitment to one another, and together they created a beautiful life centered on family, farming, and community.

Ron worked at Sara Lee in New Hampton and later at White Farm in Charles City, where he worked third shift while also farming during the day. In 1975, Ronnie and Joyce purchased the Century Farm from his parents, a homestead that had been established in 1875. There, they raised corn, soybeans, and hogs for 42 years, carrying on a proud family tradition and building a legacy of stewardship and perseverance. Even after moving off the homestead in 2017, Ron continued his love of crop farming alongside his son, Randy. In 2025, the farm was recognized as a Heritage Farm, honoring 150 years of family ownership and dedication. Ronnie and Joyce also started Ron’s Feed Service in 1983, where he helped other farmers with nutritional assistance. In 2000, Ron and Joyce were honored as the Kiwanis Farm Family of the Year, a recognition that reflected the respect they earned through years of commitment to agriculture and community.

Ron was deeply involved in the communities he called home. He served as President of the Holy Trinity School Board, Secretary/Treasurer of the Protivin Volunteer Fire District, President of the Cresco Country Club, where he and Joyce have been members since 1985, and was also a member of the Howard County Pork Producers. He also served as mayor of Vernon Springs, demonstrating his willingness to give his time and energy to the place and people around him. Ronnie and Joyce were chairs of the Annual Protivin Czech Days in 2001, and they were also members of RACE, the Rochester Area Corvette Enthusiasts. Through each of these roles, Ron showed the same steady leadership, kindness, and dependability that defined his life.

Ron loved farming, golfing, traveling, bowling, and playing cards, but most of all, Ron loved his family, his grandchildren, and his friends. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, and he lived with a generous spirit that touched many lives. Ron believed strongly in his faith and in the good in others, and he carried those beliefs into every part of his life. He was faith-filled, selfless, and kind, and those qualities were evident in the way he treated everyone he met.

Ron also gave of himself in a very special way as a volunteer for cochlear implant research for babies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. His willingness to support medical research, along with his passion to guide others diagnosed with cancer to find the best possible care, reflected his compassion and desire to help others.  It was yet another example of his selfless nature and his quiet commitment to making life better for others.

Ron Swestka will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his devotion to Joyce and his family, his love of the land, and his steadfast faith. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His life was a blessing to many, and his memory will be cherished always.

Ronnie is survived by his soulmate, Joyce Swestka of Cresco; 4 children: Jason (Sara) of Marion, IA, Tiffany (Josh) Grube of Annandale, MN, Randy (Megan) Swestka of Cresco, IA, and Whitney (Drew) Hoffman of Highlands Ranch, CO; 10 grandchildren: Mallory and Mylie Swestka, Keagan, Grace and Margaret Grube, Abigail, Noah and Isabel Swestka, Eli and Isaac Hoffman; his sisters,  Donna (Jim) Townsend, Cheryl (Ron) Jensen, and 3 brothers Art (Wanda) Swestka, John (Joan) Swestka and Gary (Roberta) Swestka.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marcella Swestka; 2 sisters, Rita (Virgil) Lukes, Mary (James) Mashek; and his parents-in-law, Harold and Lucille (Kobliska) Stapleton of Elma.

The family appreciates the support and care provided by the Howard County Community Hospice, Regional Health Services of Howard County, and the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.