Clinton Charles Swartz was born on June 16, 1924, to Earl and Gertrude (nee Welter) Swartz at their home in Redwood County, MN. He was baptized into the Christian faith on February 1, 1931, by Pastor John Keith of the Presbyterian Church of Wabaso.

He worked in the agricultural area around Murdock, MN, when World War II began. Although classified as "a necessary agricultural worker on an essential farm," he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Area from June 1944, until February 1946. He participated in the battle of Iwo Jima from February 19 through March 27, 1945, where he received a citation "for meritorious and efficient performance of duty… Private First Class Swartz assisted his amphibious crew in delivering vital material to the front lines… The officer in charge would not permit more than three amphibious tractors to advance forward until the route had been established… in order that the cargo would reach the proper destination. The terrain to be crossed was under heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, and numerous land mines were known to be in the area. Without hesitation, Private First Class Swartz, proceeded forward to establish a route to the front lines… His actions were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Services." H.M. Smith, Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps.

Following his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps on February 7, 1947, he married Ella H.G. Unruh on February 15, 1947 at Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church at St Paul, MN with Rev G.A. Ernst officiating. He was also confirmed into the Lutheran Church that year at Emmanuel. Their union was blessed with three children, Clinton Charles Jr., Donald Glen, and Betty Lou.

After working at the Great Northern Railroad for a year, he worked at Rayette Corp. in St. Paul, in their maintenance department for the next 19 years. In 1967 he went to work for the West St. Paul School District as a janitor and maintenance man. He retired from the school district with his Chief Engineer License. Following his retirement he and his wife, Ella, "Dolly", traveled throughout the United States and regularly attended his Marine Corps Company's reunions for many years.

He remained a faithful member of Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church until it merged to become Crown of Life Ev Lutheran Church of West St. Paul, where he regularly attended until he gave up driving and moved into Southview Senior Living Center of West St. Paul. There on February 2, 2023 at the age of 98 years 7 months and 17 days our gracious Lord called him from this earthly life to his eternal home in heaven.

He leaves to mourn his departure his son, Donald (Karen); his son-in-law Michael (Denise) Tuhy Sr; his grandchildren, Daniel (Kendra) Swartz, Steven (Carrie) Swartz, Jason (Heather) Swartz, David (Janet) Swartz, Kristine (Kevin) Borkowski, Timothy (Cathleen) Swartz, Laura (Aaron) Cavanna, Matthew (Paula) Swartz, Jonathan (Elizabeth) Swartz, Melissa (Brian) Goeser, Michael (Rachael) Tuhy, Jr, Clinton (Ann) Tuhy, Joshua (Janine) Tuhy, and Peter Tuhy; his sister Linda Mudgett; his brothers, Earl Jr., Gerald and Richard (Sally); 31 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ella "Dolly"; his son, Clinton Jr.; his daughter, Betty Tuhy; one great grandson, Jack Tuhy; his sisters, Tracy Bruns, Ethel Lewis, Margery Fixsen, Amy Kraemer, Leota Tollefson, and Janet Flickinger; and his brothers, Raymond, Glen, Elmer, Eugene, Billy, and Ronald.

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24