Dr. Bernard "Bernie" Thomas Swaykus, of St. Louis, MO, went home to his beloved Lord and Savior on August 29, 2025. In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, all seven of his children, and most of his twelve grandchildren. Born in Steubenville, OH, on June 10, 1936, to Elizabeth and Joseph Swaykus, Bernie graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati. He attended Saint Louis University Medical School before practicing Internal Medicine at St. John's Mercy in St. Louis, where he met his wife, Martha Lembeck Swaykus, who was a nurse there at the time. He was a daily communicant of St. Anselm's Parish where he and Martha also participated in and led many prayer groups, Life in the Spirit Seminars, and acted as Eucharistic Ministers. Though a quiet and unassuming man, he was a giant to those who loved him. Strong and gentle with a wonderful sense of humor, Bernie left an indelible impression on those who were blessed to know him, whether for a lifetime or mere moments. He was a steadfast Catholic, with a particular devotion to his Holy Mother Mary. His unwavering faith and lifelong ministry to others through the Charismatic Renewal movement, charitable works, and prayer were powerful examples to those who knew him and will be a lasting part of his legacy. He was a healer through and through, whether he was practicing medicine, praying with someone, or just
listening and providing sage advice. Even in his last months, burdened with limited mobility and difficulty breathing, he praised God daily for all his blessings and continued to minister spiritually to family and friends. All in all, Bernie epitomized the life of the disciple described by Jesus in
Matthew's Gospel, who multiplied the talents his Master gave him in the service of others, and received his Master's praise upon his return: "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). Fittingly, and poignantly for his family, this was the Gospel at Mass the morning after
Bernie's passing.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth [Fetzak] Swaykus and his sister, Mary Jean (Robert) Logsdon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha [Lembeck] Swaykus; his children, Elizabeth (Joe) Londino, Tom (Cindy) Swaykus, John (Jill) Swaykus, Becky Swaykus, Sarah Swaykus, David (Lynn) Swaykus, and Mary Swaykus; his grandchildren, TJ (Kirsten), Zachary, Katie, Michael Fadler, Julianne, Matthew, William, Jacob, Joey, Annabelle, Sam, and Charlie Swaykus; his two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Oliver Swaykus; and his siblings, Marcia (David) Hopkins; Larry Swaykus, and Peggy (Richard) Falkenstein.
A wake will be held at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home 12444 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur, MO, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 4 – 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Anselm Parish in Creve Coeur, MO on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of Bernie's favorite charities: Our Lady's Inn Maternity Homes (ourladysinn.org); Society of St. Vincent de Paul (svdpstlouis.org), or Medical Mission Sisters (www.medicalmissionsisters).