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Justin Elijah Swonger passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 19th, 2016, leaving his two children, Elliot (15) and Chloe (12) behind. Justin was an extraordinary soul, trusted friend, and beloved family member. As a colleague of Justin's at Frasca Food and Wine, I'm able to speak on his outstanding work ethic, passion for the culinary arts, kindness and wonderful sense of humor.
He was such an amazing asset to the Frasca team, and will be profoundly missed.
A little more about Justin...
Born June 15, 1979, Justin grew up in Fontana, Wisconsin where he later graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, got married and had two wonderful children. From 2004-2007, he attended law school at The Ohio State University, debating in legalese and fighting his own private battles. After passing the Wisconsin bar exam and obtaining his JD, Justin's next challenge was wrestling addiction, depression, and self-doubt that those who knew and admired him could not fathom. In 2010 he received invaluable support from the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota. Justin's family remains grateful to the people of Hazelden and the role they played in helping him reclaim the power and beauty of himself.
A little over a year ago, Justin moved to Colorado, where he was hired at Frasca Food and Wine on the spot. His best qualities were immediately obvious, announcing his keen intellect, varied interestes and basic goodness. He will be remembered for his wry and self-effacing sense of humor, and the focused intention he brought to every relationship, interaction and passing wave. It was this internationality that allowed him to move across the country in one determined step, guiding his children into a brand new town and life with grace and gentleness.
In effort to support Justin's family during this difficult time, we ask well-wishers to consider donating towards the well-being and education of Justin's beautiful children, Elliot and Chloe.
His death came too soon, but his laughter and generosity live on in the counteless people who will always love and cherish his memory.
Thank you.
He was such an amazing asset to the Frasca team, and will be profoundly missed.
A little more about Justin...
Born June 15, 1979, Justin grew up in Fontana, Wisconsin where he later graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, got married and had two wonderful children. From 2004-2007, he attended law school at The Ohio State University, debating in legalese and fighting his own private battles. After passing the Wisconsin bar exam and obtaining his JD, Justin's next challenge was wrestling addiction, depression, and self-doubt that those who knew and admired him could not fathom. In 2010 he received invaluable support from the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota. Justin's family remains grateful to the people of Hazelden and the role they played in helping him reclaim the power and beauty of himself.
A little over a year ago, Justin moved to Colorado, where he was hired at Frasca Food and Wine on the spot. His best qualities were immediately obvious, announcing his keen intellect, varied interestes and basic goodness. He will be remembered for his wry and self-effacing sense of humor, and the focused intention he brought to every relationship, interaction and passing wave. It was this internationality that allowed him to move across the country in one determined step, guiding his children into a brand new town and life with grace and gentleness.
In effort to support Justin's family during this difficult time, we ask well-wishers to consider donating towards the well-being and education of Justin's beautiful children, Elliot and Chloe.
His death came too soon, but his laughter and generosity live on in the counteless people who will always love and cherish his memory.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Steven Todd
Beneficiary