Elvin Leslie Swailes

Elvin (Frog) Leslie Swailes, 83, of Burlington, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

He was born at home on January 22, 1939, in Danville, IA, to Leslie Alfred and Florence Luella (Whaley) Swailes. He married Linda Sands in 1960 and they had two daughters.  He worked at the telephone company and then at TRW/IRC starting as a mechanic, then foreman, and then supervisor.  When his children were young, he was very involved in Boy Scouts, spending many years as a leader and teaching Eagle Scouts. He loved being outdoors and camping. He was an ornery prankster, a trait he never outgrew. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. After a long separation, he and Linda divorced.

On October 22, 1979, he married Martha Viola (Shovestull) Reitz in Oquawka, IL. They were members of Grace United Methodist Church. Frog was a true self-taught troubleshooter who could fix just about anything. He and his wife Marty acquired several properties over the years which they enjoyed managing. While growing their business he worked at Exide and BMC in Facilities Maintenance.

Their hobby was traveling with some of their favorite trips being to Ireland and China. They also loved taking their grandkids on special vacations to make forever memories.

Survivors include wife, Martha Viola Swailes of Burlington, Frog’s two daughters, Tammy Swailes of Ukraine, Lisa Swailes of Spring, TX; one sister, Darlene (Jim) Hanson of New London, IA, two step-sons, Clayton (Susan) Reitz and Walter Burton Reitz II, both of Burlington, two step-daughters, Dianna (Jim) Murray of West Burlington, IA, and Denise (Dutch) Deitrick of Mediapolis, IA, 6 grandkids and 4 great-grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters Delores Crees and Luella Moore.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Frog will be 4:00 PM Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Reverend Tamara Wirt officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the service.

Cremation will be entrusted to the Prugh Crematory following the service. Burial will take place Grant Cemetery in Rome, IA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Wounded Warriors Project.

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