Francis Swisher

Francis Swisher was born to Lewis and Mary Ott Swisher on April 25th, 1934, in a sod house in Thomas County, 3 miles North of the town of Halsey, Nebraska. Francis (90) peacefully departed this world on March 2nd, 2025, at the Brookstone Nursing Home in Broken Bow, Nebraska, surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Francis was raised on the home-place north of Halsey, Nebraska, riding and breaking horses with his older brothers. In his mind he lived the best childhood a young boy could have. He rode his horse to and from the Rosehill School up until the 8th grade, following his love for horses, he chose to quit school and go work for local ranchers in the area. Like many kids back then, working to help their parents was necessary, Francis and his brothers were no exception, and they worked hard to support their family. 

In 1954 he married the love of his life Norma Lee Applegarth in Broken Bow, Nebraska. The couple then made their home in Gibbon, Nebraska, where Francis worked in Alfalfa Mills. They then moved back to his hometown of Halsey, where he worked for ranches such as the Boren Brothers, Bill Jensen, and many other ranches in Thomas County and the surrounding area during the winter months. During his downtime in winter, Francis could be found coyote hunting with family, friends, his best greyhound Blue and the other greyhounds. In the summer he worked at the Alfalfa Mills in Dawson County. He then retired from the Alfalfa Mills and finally moved back to the home-place outside of Halsey, working “beside” and “with” his good friends Wayne and Sheri Rodocker until he retired. Francis and Norma were married for 47 years, and to this union they had nine children. 

Francis was preceded in death by his loving wife and mother of his children, Norma Applegarth Swisher, and his beautiful daughter Annie Ahrens. His parents, Lewis and Mary Ott Swisher. His brothers: Lewis, Clarence, Cecil, Bernard, Lennard, and his lifelong best friend and brother Charles Swisher. Sisters: Caroline, Mary Alice and Ida Mae. His brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and his father-in-law Floyd Applegarth and mother-in-law Florence Wright. 

Francis is survived by his sons: David (Sheila) Swisher, James (Jodi) Swisher. Daughters: DeEtta (Gary) Burgess, Rose (Ron) Garretson, Betty Hauser, Mary (Lanny) Curtis, Kay Wallin, Donna (Nathanael) McIntosh. His 32 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. 

Francis loved every second he was able to spend with his family. He especially loved getting to meet his new grandkids (great, and great-great), that always made his day. His wall of fame in his house was pictures of his kids and grandkids, and he was proud of every single one of them. Francis will be sincerely missed by all of his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, great-great grandkids, many friends and neighbors. 

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will be in the Purdum Cemetery at Purdum, NE. Memorials are suggested to Halsey Fire Department. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 10th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with family greeting from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com