Albert “Al” Swaller, 81, of Arnold died Dec. 16, 2022, at his home. Mr. Swaller had a 55-year career in the construction industry. He grew up on a farm, balancing activities there with school at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Arnold and then Bishop DuBourg High School in St. Louis. Shortly after graduation in 1960, he joined the Nationalo Guard and served six years, finishing with the rank of E-5. He worked as a mechanic at Skelly and then at Brouk-Ziegler. He always loved creating value through building and joined the Carpenters Union in 1965. Within a year, he was running jobs as a superintendent with Hoel-Steffen, then later with Goodwin Brothers Construction Co. He was proud of countless projects’ accomplishments, capped with a 55-year recognition from the Carpenters Union. Upon retirement in 1998, he loved to maintain “Swaller valley,” hunt, fish, golf, watch sporting events, barbecue and volunteer at St. John’s Church. He was born July 18, 1941, the oldest of nine children of the late Albert “Bud” and Mildred Poepper.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years: Gloria (Brouk) Swaller, whom he met at church and married Oct. 7, 1967, following a romantic courtship; three children: Dawn (Art) Gross, Dean (Meghan) Swaller and Debbie (Chris) Mitchell; five grandchildren: Brianna, Derek, Luke, Alexa and Brock; six siblings: Darryl (Sue) Swaller, Sharon (Vic) Brouk, Bill (Kelly) Swaller, Ron (Patti) Swaller, Greg (Joyce) Swaller and Laverne (Kevin) Hereford; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by two siblings: Don (Connie) Swaller and Mary Voss.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 4614 Blue Springs Dr., in Imperial. Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. John’s Catholic Church, 4614 Blue Springs Dr., Imperial, 63052. Arrangements are under the direction of Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home in Arnold.