CAROLE ANN JEROME, age 74, of Vero Beach passed away on February 19, 2014. A memorial service will be held, Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1 pm at 25 Seahorse Lane, Vero Beach, with an Eastern Star Ceremony to follow at 2 pm. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Jerome; sons, Craig (Paige) Jerome and Chris (Stephanie) Jerome; and grandson, Jacob Smith. http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com (2/27/14)
BEN STEWART passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at Kindred Hospital in Melbourne, FL. Ben was in the military, serving in Germany, until retiring at age 34. In 1965, he moved to Ft. Pierce, where he started his own business, Ben Stewart Sand Mines. In 1991, Ben decided to retire to Franklin, NC. After enjoying his retirement, he decided to move to Vero Beach in 1994.
He is survived by his sons, Frank Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Kenny Stewart; brothers, William “Bill” Stewart, Jacob Stewart; sister Louise Hudson; and two grandsons. Ben enjoyed ballroom dancing on his cruise trips, walking on the beach and volunteering for Christian ministries. Memorial Service to be held at Christ by the Sea, 3755 Hwy. A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made to Christ by the Sea, 3755 Hwy. A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963. http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com (2/27/14)
ALFRED LEE SWANSON, 66, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Tuesday February 25, 2014 at his home following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Al was born in Kewanee, Illinois and was the son of the late Claire and Beulah Swanson. He was a graduate of Weathersfield High School and Western Illinois University. Al served in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he proudly wore the coveted uniform of a Green Beret.
After being honorably discharged Al served as a police officer in Rushville, Illinois and then worked in Rock Island, Illinois as Program Administrator for Alternatives for Detention for Juveniles. In 1981 Al moved his family to Vero Beach where he could enjoy watching sports, fishing, boating and golf. These things he did when he wasn’t cheering on his beloved Cubs, Bears or Bulls. Upon moving to Vero he began working as an Investigator for the Department of Children and Families for the State of Florida. His dedication and tenderness toward his clients led him to eventually become the Administrator for DCF in Indian River County. Al finally retired after 28 years of service in Indian River County.
Al’s favorite saying was “don’t get in the sinking boat alone”. Survivors include his wife of 45 years Bonnie Jill Swanson, son and daughter-in-law Michael Todd and Tina Swanson and grandsons Erik and Todd Swanson of Melbourne, Florida, sisters and brother-in-laws Peggy and Jerry Luallen and Pat and Ken Ruiz of Rockford, Illinois and numerous nephews and nieces.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Council of Indian River County Transportation Fund, 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, Florida 32960. The family will receive friends 1-2 PM, Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a Life Celebration Service beginning at 2 PM. VFW Post 3918 will provide military honors. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The Swanson family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful VNA/Hospice organization for their compassion and assistance provided and also Kano, Sony, Elira, Nick, and Todd from Nurses Touch for the patient and loving care to Al during his last days. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com (2/27/14)
Indian River Guardian 