Troy J. Swancutt, 59, of Chatfield, Minn., passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, in his home.
Troy James Swancutt was born January 6, 1961, in Riceville, Iowa, son of Mern and Betty (Saltou) Swancutt. He was the first baby of the New Year at Riceville Hospital in 1961. Troy graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco, Iowa, in 1979 and from Northwest Iowa Technical College in Sheldon, Iowa, in 1991 as a journeyman lineman. On August 1, 1981, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Nola Fortney in Lourdes, Iowa. To this union five children were born, whom he was extremely proud of and loved greatly. Troy worked 23 years with Alliant Energy as a lineman and substation technician foreman and six years with Peoples Cooperative in Rochester, Minn., as director of operations. He took great pride in his work, trying to leave everything a little better than he found it. He believed in doing a job to the fullest and gave 100% in everything he did.
Troy was the Chatfield High School varsity volleyball coach for six years and coached many other teams for 10 years prior. He also took interest in volunteering as a youth wrestling coach. His passion for athletics and willingness to go above and beyond for his athletes made him a very successful coach. He was known to push his athletes to be better every day on and off the court. He often said, “Practice the way you play and play the way you practice.” In Troy’s early years he enjoyed drumming in the family band and playing volleyball with friends. His more recent interests included traveling with his wife, riding his motorcycle, golfing and being with family.
He was a devoted family man and loved every moment spent with his wife. They took many trips on the motorcycle together. They enjoyed trying new restaurants and breweries. He was a guy who would strike up a conversation and have a beer with anyone. Troy was most happy when all his family was together. He believed passionately in doing the right thing even when it was difficult. He modeled this behavior for his children and his athletes. He worked tirelessly for his family, and set an example of selflessness, love, and strength in everything he did. He was genuine, kind and loyal and he touched the hearts of so many. Troy was a most beloved father and grandfather. We will always honor and cherish the traditions and memories that he gave us.
Troy is survived by his wife Nola of Chatfield, Minn.; five children: Ashley (Patrick Conway) Swancutt of Chatfield, Minn., Amber (Dan) Steffen of Peosta, Iowa, Amanda (Chad) Curry of Chatfield, Minn., Aric of Miami, Fla., and Austin of LaCrosse, Wis.; six grandchildren: Devon Guetter, Shane, Kilian, and Adeline Curry; and Pippa and Reed Steffen; his parents Mern and Betty Swancutt of Chester, Iowa; his sister Sharye (Jerry) Ledbeter of Cresco, Iowa; his brother Todd (Kim) Swancutt of Akron, Iowa; his mother-in-law Janice Fortney of LeRoy, Minn.; two brothers-in-law, Dale (Carol) Throckmorton of Wykoff, Minn., and Kevin (Kristy) Fortney of Grandbury, Tex.; two sisters-in-law, Renae (Randy) Anderson of Garrison, Minn., and Dawn (Mick) Brown of Riceville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Coral Fortney, paternal grandparents Murl and Agatha Swancutt, and maternal grandparents Ray and Evelyn Saltou.
Funeral Mass for Troy will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield, Minn., with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Burial will take place at Chester Hill Cemetery in Chester, Iowa. at a later date.
Online condolences can be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.
Leave a Reply