Obituary of Elmer (Sonny) Leroy Swanger

Elmer Leroy Swanger Jr. (Sonny), age 84 years old, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Windy Hill Village Friday morning September 30, 2022. He and his wife, Lois, lived in Boalsburg for many years and at Windy Hill Village in Philipsburg for the last year. Sonny was born to Elmer Lincoln Swanger and Virginia Famah Swanger, on December 4th, 1937. He was born and raised in State College PA and attended State College High School. He retired from Penn State University after 45 years of service.

More than anyone we know, Sonny lived by the saying "enjoy the passage of time." He enjoyed observations about life and people, sitting on his porch, his neighbors and family, the weather, you name it, Sonny took the time to enjoy it. His Dad was his hero, and Sonny is ours. If only we could all enjoy the passage of time, and the people and love in our lives, as much as Sonny.

Sonny most enjoyed talking with the people closest to him, being in out in nature, and his beagle Gilda. He taught his children and grandchildren to fish, ride bikes, hunt and much more. He and Lois were long time members of the Mt. Nittany United Methodist church

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lois Swanger (Berkey), and two brothers, Donald (Buck) Swanger, and Gerald (Jake) Swanger. He has two children, Joseph Swanger and Virginia Swanger, three stepchildren, Trudy McCrea, Craig Strapel and John Strapel. He has eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by both parents, his first wife, Dorothy Lillian Swanger (Keith), his sister Evelyn Ritter, and brothers Charles Swanger and Robert Swanger.

The service will be held at the Mt. Nittany United Methodist church on East Branch Road, on Saturday October 8th. Family will be received at 10:30am, Friends are welcome at 11:30 am, for the service. A church luncheon follows for friends and family. Any memorial donations can be made to the Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 East Branch Road, State College PA 16801.