Edwin G. Svikhart
Edwin Svikhart passed from this earth on February 11, 2017. He lived a most rewarding life filled with warm friendships and a deep love for his family of whom he was most proud.
He is survived by his loving wife and very best friend during 62 years of marriage, Joann Barbara Frisk Svikhart; two sons David (married to Pamela) and Robert; and three grandchildren Augustus, Benjamin and Anna, all of whom brightened his life and warmed his heart. Edwin G. Svikhart and Mildred C. Svikhart (Slapnickova), his parents, preceeded him in death as did his brother, Gladdin.
Ed was born in Chicago and grew up in Mt. Prospect, IL. He graduated from Beloit College and then served in the U.S. Navy during and after the Korean War, attaining the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade). After completing Officer Candidate School, he served in the Atlantic Fleet, ultimately as the sole operations officer for a Commander of four Cold War era radar picket destroyers.
Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1956, he joined the Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria, IL and had responsibilities for recommending and arranging financing for dealers and clients worldwide. In 1966 he joined a Caterpillar dealer in Napa, CA, where he served as Chief Financial Officer.
Five years later, he became CFO at Galion (OH) Manufacturing Company (nee Galion Iron Works), which operated four heavy equipment manufacturing plants in the U.S. and sold its products domestically and worldwide. Following its merger into Dresser Industries, he became Director of International Operations of Construction Equipment (in Columbus, OH), with responsibility for improving operations at companies with nearly 1,000 employees in Brazil, Belgium, South Africa, Canada and Australia.
In 1981, Ed and Joann moved to Salt Lake City, which became their home for the rest of his life. Ed first revitalized the operations of a local dealer of construction equipment. He later became a senior officer in a local investment banking firm and then an officer of a sister company engaged in energy activites in the United States.
He had an inquiring mind with interests ranging from history, furniture making, travel, music, cooking, reading, gardening to water color painting. He served in leadership roles in the Presbyterian church and other not-for-profit organizations. His greatest joy came from the unconditional love of Joann and the success of his sons and grandchildren.
A private, family burial service has been planned for Saturday, February 18th. A celebration of Ed's life will begin later that day at 4:00 PM at the Lexington Village Social Center at Old Farm, 4138 South 620 East in Salt Lake City. Friends of Ed and his family are encouraged to attend. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the endowment fund of Ed's beloved alma mater, Beloit College, Attention: Gift Processing Coordinator, 700 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511.