George A. Swietzer passed away peacefully on March 11, 2011, after a four-month battle with cancer.

Born to Lee E. and Elsie E. (Harris) Swietzer on Oct. 20, 1934, he attended Whitmer High School, graduating with the Class of 1952.

He married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis (Perrine), on June 22, 1957.

He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1953-1961 and was in active duty from 1956- 1958.

He leaves behind a legacy of love as reflected in his family and many, many friends.

George had a love of all things growing that was first nurtured through his parents’ flower shop, Swietzer’s Flower Shop, a landmark on Tremainsville Road for many years.

In 1962 he began his venture into landscaping, and in 1965 that expanded into Swietzer’s Sod Farm & Landscaping located in Petersburg, Mich. His talent was sought after by many of the builders and homeowners in the Toledo and Sylvania area.

In the off-season he drove fuel trucks for Sunoco Oil Co. and Almroth Oil Co. and eventually was employed for 12 years at St. Charles Hospital as the grounds maintenance supervisor.

He retired from Reichle- Klein in 1996, where he supervised maintenance of their local rental properties.

After retirement, George continued to work full-time making our backyards into a landscaper’s dream. He never denied sharing his wisdom and love of all things growing.

George leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Phyllis; sons Jeff, Gardner, Kan., and Kenn (Karin), Archbold; daughter Jill (Tim) Griffith, Swanton; along with granddaughters Kelsi and Erin Griffith, Kylie Swietzer and Seth Foth; and grandchildrenof the-heart, Angie, Brianna, Charlie and Jacob Nofziger, Lacey, Brandon, Kamryn and Russell Tate, and Anna and Eric Yoder.

Also surviving are his sisters, Elsie (George) Wilson, Alger, Mich., and Alma Kleinsmith, Bowling Green, along with many loved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Larry and Lee Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Christian Church, Archbold. The family will receive friends and family beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church (Furnace Fund), Montpelier; St. John’s Christian Church, Archbold; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Condolences may be left at www.ShortFuneralHome.com.