Daniel Swoverland

Daniel J. Swoverland, of Grafton, died Sunday, Jan. 6, at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 68.

Mr. Swoverland was born on March 12, 1950, in Milwaukee to Lillian Gengler and Claude Swoverland.

He grew up in Grafton and was a 1958 graduate of Grafton High School.

Mr. Swoverland was an accomplished drummer, starting at a young age, and gave lessons in music stores and in his home.

He also played the drums in many rock ‘n roll bands, including Misery Sons, inspired by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, his sister Colleen said.

“He played drums from a very, very very very early age,” she said. “He liked to tell the story about listening to a transistor radio in bed one night and the DJ said he’d like to introduce listeners to a brand new band, the Beatles.”

The last 15 years of his playing career were with  The Julida Boys Polka Band, she said.

He also managed several bands, she said.

Mr. Swoverland also enjoyed playing tennis in the Grafton recreational league.

He was the owner of Goodfellows tavern in downtown Grafton and other establishments for many years.

He also was a member of Open Door Bible Church in Port Washington.

Mr. Swoverland is survived by his mother of Grafton; siblings Colleen (Dick) Bartell of Grafton, Claude (Cathy) of Saukville, and Mike (Sandy) of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; his son Danny of Port Washington; stepdaughters Jackie and Jenny and granddaughters Scarlett and Cora.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Open Door Bible Church.

Visitation will be from noon until the service.

Memorials to Open Door Bible Church are requested. 

Mueller Funeral Home is assisting the family.