He was born January 29th, 1951 to Milton & Betty (Bevers) Swartz of Watertown SD where he grew up before going to VoTech to become a machinist. He was a machinist for most of his life, and his work brought him to Britton in 1992. When he started at Hortons before commuting to Ingersol Rand in Gwinner where he retired.

After retiring, he always dreamed of hitting the road and traveling in his RV/camper but health issues kept him from making this a reality. He enjoyed a simple life tending to his vegetable garden and fruit trees and was happy to share with those who knew him. He always had a “project” he was tinkering with or you may have seen him about town with his border collie, Angel, and stopped to chat.

He is survived by his only child, daughter Aimee Okerstrom (husband David Lopez) from MN, and his grandsons Zach Okerstrom (MN) & Garret (Jenna) Okerstrom (MN.) He is also survived by his only sibling, brother Steve Swartz (ND.)

Mike will be remembered fondly by all who knew him & live on in the hearts of many. A private family interment was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watertown, SD.

You are invited to a Celebration of his Life, held on Sunday, May 4th from 10 am to 1pm at Lifesong Event Center, 405 18th Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201. Please come to share your memories with family.