Roger Maurice Sward, 80, of Clarks Grove, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Roger was born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 11, 1932, to John and Anna Sward. He grew up in Geneva and graduated from Ellendale High School. Roger served in the United States Air Force. He was united in marriage on Sept. 9, 1952, to Joyce Lee. They were married for 60 years and had seven children.

Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. His greatest passion was for horses.

Roger is survived by his wife, Joyce; sisters, Clara and Doris; children, Julie (Bob Severson), Jon, Gary (Janet), Nancy (Randy Page), Jayne (Rodger Christenson), Kris (Randy Thompson) and Lisa (Ron Fitz); 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, four brothers, three sisters, one sister-in-law and seven brothers-in-law.

Roger was a kind and loving man who donated his body to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for medical research.

There will be no formal services. Roger’s family will honor him with a celebration of his life.