Nicholas Lee Swatek

Nicholas ("Nick") Lee Swatek, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to so many, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 101. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on Flag Day, June 14, 1923, Nick proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was a navigator on both B-17 and B-24 bombers, completing 32 missions in the European Theatre. Nick always described his service as "just doing my job". For his courageous service, he was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Nick was married to the love of his life, Geraldine (Gerry) Marie Swatek (nee Reppell), for 70 years. Together, they built a family that will always be bonded together by reliving the stories of his life, from starting a new business at the age of 43 with four children at home, to driving each winter to Bonita Beach Florida into his late 90's, to truly being a self-proclaimed Pollyana, finding the good in every situation life sprang upon him. Nick attend St. Louis University after WWII, graduating in 1948 with a BA in Commerce and Finance. Nick was an over the road salesman with Ice Cream Specialties, before striking out on his own - opening Maplewood driving range and mini-golf in 1968. The Maplewood facility had four baseball batting machines; and when Nick's lease ran out at that location, he turned those batting cages into an iconic baseball and softball batting facility at Tower Tee in Afton, Missouri. Opened in 1974, "the cages" were an integral part of the family. His son, Dave, took over in 1994 and built on Nick's legacy, with the cages remaining open and well-respected until Tower Tee closed in 2018. Nicholas was the father of four children: Nicholas Lee Swatek, Jr. (Pia), John Kirby (deceased) (Eva), David (Alicia), and Martha (Joe Loconte), the cherished grandfather of sixteen grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a legacy of deep love for many who he met, encouraged and loved throughout his life, including his "second daughter", Nancy Nowotny. Nicholas was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry, his parents, Frank and Florence Swatek; his siblings, Frank Swatek and Madonna Waeltermann; his son, John Kirby Swatek, and so many life-long poker and golf friends. A passionate golfer, Nick was proud to be the National Senior Games Golf Champion in his region at the age of 84, and Nick continued to play golf well into his 90s. A man of great faith (he initiated a weekly Pray the Rosary gathering at The Garden Place, Columbia just this year), humor, and relentless determination and innovation, Nick demonstrated to all throughout his life the importance of hard work ("on the ball, on the ball") and the power of a positive mindset. His ability to embrace new technology ("Alexa - Shut Up!!") and solve challenges (caring for our beautiful mother after her fall) was an inspiration to us all. He will be missed beyond measure. Nick's celebration is now scheduled, and to fully embrace the end of an era, the family is planning a two-day event. Feel free to attend none one or all events. And if you can not make the trip, please raise a toast in his honor on Nick's Birthday, June 14th. On Friday, June 13, 2025, there will be a gathering outside Dave's house (6430 Wise Ave; St. Louis, MO 63139) from 5pm - 9pm. Plan on dancing in the street to a New Orleans Funk band (playing two sets, beginning at 6pm). This is a BYO chair, snacks and beverage of choice event, and will close down at 9pm to allow the family to prepare for the next day. On Nick's 102nd Birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, there will be a family only blessing at Nick's gravesite, followed by an 11:00 am mass at St. John Nepomuk Chapel 1625 S. 11th Street, St. Louis and Nick's celebration of life from 1pm - 4pm at Failoni's 6715 Manchester Ave; St. Louis. Please RSVP by June 1, 2025 for the Failoni' event only -- text Dave Swatek (314) 882-2247. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. John Nepomuk Chapel for the preservation of this historic Czech (read Bohemian) Chapel (a collection basket will be passed at Nick's funeral service).

Nicholas Lee Swatek

June 14, 1923 - April 2, 2025