Danny Joe Swank

Funeral services for Danny Joe Swank, 55, of Pershing, will be held Wednesday, March
25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. A private
family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care
of Danny’s daughter, Shalee Smith.
Danny Joe Swank passed away far too soon, leaving behind a family who loved him
deeply and will carry his memory in their hearts forever. Danny was born March 27,
1970, in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Robert “Bob” and Sandra Swank.
Growing up, Danny was full of energy and personality. He graduated from Twin Cedars
High School in 1988, where he was active in athletics. He was a talented runner and
loved the game of baseball. Even then, his sense of humor stood out—Danny could tell
a story like no other, often leaving everyone around him laughing and wondering what
he might say next. He always joked that he should have been an actor, and anyone who
knew him would agree he certainly had the personality for it.
Danny had a love for the outdoors and a creative spirit. He enjoyed working on cars and
riding four-wheelers, and each spring he looked forward to mushroom hunting. He also
found joy in painting and crafting, using his hands and imagination to create something
meaningful. Over the years, Danny worked many jobs, including Titan Tire, Vermeer, in
construction, and especially enjoyed his time working with Matt Agan in plumbing and
HVAC.
In 2015, Danny’s life changed after a serious accident that left him with a broken neck.
From that point on, he faced daily physical challenges and pain that made life more
difficult, especially being unable to work as he once had. Despite this, Danny continued
to show strength in his own way. He remained connected to the people he loved most,
finding comfort and purpose in time spent with his children and grandchildren. Those
moments meant everything to him.
Danny’s life was not without its struggles, but through it all, his heart remained steady in
the things that mattered most—family, laughter, and love. He shared a close bond with
his son, Jordan, and he cherished the role of father and grandfather above all else.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Swank.
Danny will be greatly missed by his mother, Sandra Swank; his children, Shalee (Mike)
Smith and Jordan Swank; his eight beloved grandchildren: Chloe, Aidan, Beau, Dayton,
Ezra, Aris, Kimber, and Eden; his sister, Sheila (Ron) Van Veen; and many cousins,
relatives, and friends.
Though his time here was not long enough, Danny’s life leaves behind a story of love,
resilience, and moments that will never be forgotten.