Gerald Allen Swan of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, went to his eternal home peacefully with his wife by his side on July 4, 2025. He was 92 years old and also known as “Coach Swan” or “Jerry”.

Jerry was born on June 20, 1933, to Merl and Minne Swan in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  He grew up in Mukwonago, excelled in sports, and graduated from Mukwonago High School in 1951. 

Jerry went on to play college sports and earned a degree in physical education from the University of La Crosse. He later earned a master’s degree in PE from the University of Madison. Jerry’s first job as a head basketball coach at Valders kickstarted a life-long career in coaching sports and teaching physical and health education - a career that brought him back to his alma mater, Mukwonago High School.

While at La Crosse University, where they both attended, Jerry met the love of his life Jeannine Schmaltz.  Jeannine would become his wife of 69 years after they married in Onalaska, Wisconsin, on June 30, 1956.  They went on to have three sons, who in addition to his loving wife, Jerry is survived by: Scott (Debbie) Swan, Mark (Lisa) Swan, and Jeff (Mary) Swan. Also left to cherish his memory are nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren (plus one on the way).  Jerry was preceded in death by his dear, and only, brother Kenny (Lela) Swan.

In 1991, Jerry “Coach Swan” retired from Mukwonago High School. Throughout his tenure at MHS, Jerry taught physical and health education, served as the Athletic Director for four years, and was the Head Varsity Basketball Coach for 24 years.  With great pride, he coached the Mukwonago Indians to three conference titles, four second place finishes and an eight straight year winning streak. Jerry also served as Dean of the Waukesha County Basketball Coaches and has had several articles published in professional athletic magazines.  Jerry was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Mukwonago High School Hall of Fame in 2002.

Devoted to his faith, family and community, Jerry lived his life with purpose and intention.  He served in many roles at Vernon Lutheran Church and led his team in prayers that he wrote himself prior to the start of games.  As a young man and music lover, he played the saxophone in a five-member band. Although Jerry’s heart and passion was basketball, he also enjoyed playing golf and going fishing. There is no doubt that Jerry had a positive impact on the lives of many, especially the young team members he was honored to coach.

The family is eternally grateful for the loving and compassionate care provided by Brolen Meadows and Brighton Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10AM, followed by a service at NOON at Vernon Lutheran Church in Mukwonago (S90 W27550 National Av). A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Vernon Lutheran Church (https://vernon-elca.org/), a church whose founders included Jerry’s parents. 

“A great coach can change a game, but a truly exceptional coach can change a life.”

– John Wooden