Russell Dean Swinger

Florence - Russell Dean Swinger, 60, of Florence died unexpectedly on December 20, 2022. He was born in Missoula on June 30, 1962, to Keith Swinger and Marie (Baker) Swinger. Russ was a long time Missoula/Florence resident and a former employee of Missoula County Public Schools. He was a magician at a young age and continued to enjoy mystifying people with magic. Throughout his life he became a talented craftsman and a master woodworker. Russ enjoyed the Montana outdoors including hunting, fishing, camping and skiing. In 1997 he married Caren Clarke, his “fantasy tree fort girl”, who he knew his entire life. They moved to Florence in 1998 and their daughter Brenna was born in 1999. She quickly became his pride and joy. He was a wonderful fun-loving father and loved very much. Russ is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Marie Swinger and brothers, Doug and Greg Swinger. He is survived by daughter Brenna Swinger, former wife Caren Clarke, sister Mell Gribnau (Joe), half-brother Jerry Swinger (Laura) many nieces and nephews, as well as multiple extended family members. He will be greatly missed. A graveside service will be held on January 9 at 11:00 am at Sunnyside Cemetery in Stevensville. A reception will follow at 3:00 pm at the DoubleTree Inn in Missoula. Russ always said, “I only like two kinds of pie, hot pie and cold pie“, an expression his father used. To honor him we will be serving pie at the reception. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Western Montana Mental Health specifically for the Dakota House or that you bring a teddy bear to the reception which will be donated to organizations that support kids going through cancer treatment. Please share condolences, memories, and photos with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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