Patricia Mesko-Swartz

Patricia Mesko-Swartz, 78, of Dowagiac, passed away, Saturday, January 26, 2019, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Sister Lakes Community Church, 67119 M-152, Dowagiac, with Pastor Doug Cuthbert officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family Friday, February 1, 2019, from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the church. Memorial contributions in Patricia’s name may be made to Sister Lakes Community Church or the Cass County Fair Association. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Patricia was born May 31, 1940, to Steve, Sr., and Arminda (Stewart) Mesko in Dowagiac. She graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1959. On March 5, 1960 she married the love of her life, Arlen Swartz. Patricia managed the Cass County Fair Pork Producers Restaurant from 1978 to 1992. She received a special tribute award from the State of Michigan for Pork Partner of the Year in 1985. The fair was something that was very important to her, she was a 4-H leader for many years and all of her entries, you would always find a purple or best show ribbon. Patricia was a lady of many talents, she was great at canning, gardening and sewing. Her family and friends envied her talents as a seamstress, she was able to make her own wedding dress and many other items for her friends and family over the years. She worked for Dr. Patel office from 1984 to 1993. Patricia was a lifelong member of Sister Lakes Community Church. Most of all she loved playing games and spending time with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Arlen Swartz; children Kevin (Annette) Swartz of Three Rivers, Mark (Sally) Swartz of Dowagiac, Tricia (Mark) Zuhl of Dowagiac and Brian Swartz of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Kristin (Nicholas) Brundige, Stefany Swartz, Matthew (Melissa) Swartz, Samantha (James) Rial, Amanda Swartz, Kaye (Matthew) Morehouse, John Davis, Joshua Davis, Robert Zuhl, Joseph Zuhl, Mark Zuhl, Jr. and Lea Zuhl; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Mary Fosdick of Decatur and brother Robert Mesko of Niles. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Steve Mesko, Jr. and James Mesko.