CRESCO — Ronald “Ron” John Swestka, 73, of Cresco, died Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 29, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with the Rev. Thiet Hoang celebrating the Mass. Ron will be laid to rest at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Protivin.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 28, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with a Rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. There will be no public visitation before Saturday’s Mass. Family and friends are invited to gather for a meal and fellowship at the Community Center following the burial.
Born January 3, 1953, in Cresco to John and Marcella (Denner) Swestka, Ron grew up as one of eight children. He attended Rudolphinum grade school in Protivin, graduated from Crestwood High School in 1971 and later attended Minnesota Business School.
One of the defining relationships of Ron’s life began almost from birth. He and Joyce Stapleton were born just one day apart and shared the nursery at the Cresco hospital. They later became high school sweethearts and were married November 18, 1972, at Holy Trinity Parish in Protivin.
Their marriage would span more than five decades and become the foundation of a life centered on family, farming, faith and service to others.
Ron worked at Sara Lee in New Hampton and White Farm in Charles City, at one point working the overnight shift while farming during the day.
In 1975, Ron and Joyce purchased his family’s Century Farm, which had been established in 1875. They raised corn, soybeans and hogs there for 42 years, continuing a farming tradition that stretched across generations.
Even after moving away from the homestead in 2017, Ron continued crop farming with his son Randy. In 2025, the family farm received Heritage Farm recognition, marking 150 years of continuous family ownership.
Ron and Joyce also founded Ron’s Feed Service in 1983, through which he assisted area farmers with livestock nutrition. Their dedication to agriculture was recognized in 2000 when they were named the Kiwanis Farm Family of the Year.
His service extended well beyond the farm. Ron served as president of the Holy Trinity School Board, secretary-treasurer of the Protivin Volunteer Fire District and president of the Cresco Country Club. He was also involved with the Howard County Pork Producers and served as mayor of Vernon Springs.
Ron and Joyce chaired Protivin Czech Days in 2001 and were longtime members of the Cresco Country Club as well as the Rochester Area Corvette Enthusiasts.
Away from work and public service, Ron enjoyed golfing, traveling, bowling, playing cards and, above all, spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends.
His willingness to help others also took an unusual and meaningful form through his participation as a volunteer in cochlear implant research for babies at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He also worked to help people facing cancer diagnoses find information and appropriate care.
Ron is survived by his wife and longtime sweetheart, Joyce Swestka of Cresco; four children, Jason (Sara) Swestka of Marion, Tiffany (Josh) Grube of Annandale, Minnesota, Randy (Megan) Swestka of Cresco, and Whitney (Drew) Hoffman of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and 10 grandchildren, Mallory and Mylie Swestka, Keagan, Grace and Margaret Grube, Abigail, Noah and Isabel Swestka, and Eli and Isaac Hoffman.
He is also survived by his sisters, Donna (Jim) Townsend and Cheryl (Ron) Jensen; and brothers, Art (Wanda) Swestka, John (Joan) Swestka and Gary (Roberta) Swestka.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marcella Swestka; sisters Rita (Virgil) Lukes and Mary (James) Mashek; and his parents-in-law, Harold and Lucille (Kobliska) Stapleton.
The family expressed appreciation to Howard County Community Hospice, Regional Health Services of Howard County and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center for their care and support.
HUGEBACK-JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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