Gary Swan

Gary Arthur Swan

Gary Arthur Swan, age 89, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026. A proud United States Navy veteran retired Assistant Chief of the Madison Fire Department, devoted family man, avid Wisconsin Badger fan, and lifelong storyteller, Gary lived a life defined by service, hard work, friendship, and laughter.  

Born on January 22, 1937, in Madison, Wisconsin, Gary was the third child of Arthur and Hattie (Schultz) Swan. He grew up on Madison's east side, attended East High School, and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. During his military service, he was stationed in Antarctica—an assignment few could claim and one that became just one of the many fascinating stories he would tell throughout his life.

After returning home, Gary met Darlene Ibenthal. They married and raised three children together. Although their marriage later ended, they shared the joy of watching their family grow through children, grandchildren, and generations that followed.

Gary began what would become a remarkable 30-year career with the Madison Fire Department. On his very first week, the rookie was assigned to cook dinner for the crew. Gary loved to joke that after that meal, they never asked him to cook again. He treasured the brotherhood of the fire service and dedicated three decades to protecting the citizens of Madison with courage, compassion, and steady leadership. 

Retirement may have come from the fire department, but Gary was never one to sit still. Over the years he wore many hats—landlord, Sears appliance deliveryman, hot cashew distributor, parking lot maintenance worker, and tavern owner. In the late 1960s, he co-owned the Perch Tavern on Madison's north side, where he and his partner mixed together a mysterious green concoction from whatever bottles happened to be nearby. When curious customers asked what it was called, Gary smiled and replied, "We just got it out of the swamp out back." And just like that, the Madison Swampwater was born. Later, he also co-owned the Cat N Fiddle, where his quick wit and gift for conversation made everyone feel like an old friend.

If there was one thing Gary was known for as much as his work ethic, it was his sense of humor. He had a perfectly timed one-liner for every occasion and a hearty laugh that could fill a house. His family fondly remembers hearing that unmistakable laugh while Johnny Carson delivered his nightly monologue. 

He also mastered the classic dad joke. At the dinner table, he asked, "Do you want a roll?" Of course, someone always said "Yes!". Gary's response was, "Go out in the backyard!" The groans that followed quickly turned into laughter, and today his children and grandchildren still find themselves repeating the same joke around their own dinner tables. It has become one of the many gifts he unknowingly passed on.

One of life's greatest blessings came when Gary met Avis Dalton. For 38 years they shared a life filled with love, friendship, travel, golf, and countless card games and wagers on the Badger games. Together they built a wonderful life, and Gary adored Avis.

Left to cherish Gary's memory are his beloved companion, Avis Dalton; his children, Darcy (Kevin) Stoddard of Rio, Randy Swan (Pam) of Wisconsin Dells, and Stephanie (David) Bentzen of West Salem; Avis's children, Barb Dott (David) and Tim Braaksma (Sherry); his beloved "favorite" niece, Jacquelyn Cassidy; his grandchildren, Lacy (Hans) Pflieger, Shauna (Marcus) Paul, Thomas (Natalie) Connell, David (Hali) Whitehorse, Andrea Connell, Carley (Tim) Whitehorse, Samuel (Cassie) Connell, Madison (Kyle) Swan, and Stevie (Jacob) Dahm; along with many cherished great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Hattie Swan; his sisters, Jean Wheeler and Delores Gospodar; and his former wife, Darlene.

His was a life well lived, and he will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

A visitation will take place Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 1-3 pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison. Inurnment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date.

His family would like to thank the Prairie Place Assisted Living Staff for their unwavering care and attention to Gary during his illness. We would also like to thank SSM Healthcare and Agnesian Healthcare Hospice Hope for their compassion and assistance during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to your favorite charity in Gary's name. His love travels far and wide.

Ryan Funeral Home
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257