News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The children of former 26th Circuit Court Judge Joseph Swallow look at old family photos before a memorial service for their father. Swallow passed away at 91 years old last month after living a life of public service in the Alpena area and in state government.

ALPENA — You don’t have to go far in Northeast Michigan to see the handiwork of Joseph Swallow.

The former Alpena County Prosecutor, 26th Circuit Court Judge, and state representative played a large role in helping others while helping to push the Alpena area and the entire state to be the best it could be.

On April 20, Swallow passed away at 91 years old. A memorial service, a celebration of his life, and a eulogy were held for him on Friday at the Alpena County Courthouse, which was open to the public.

Those who attended shared stories and accomplishments of the former judge. One thing was evident at the memorial, everyone there had a great deal of respect for Swallow.

Those who knew Swallow best said he had a strong desire to help others, whether through his time in government or working with local charitable groups. They said he often put other people before himself and his love for the Alpena area was unwavering.

Dan Swallow, the judge’s son, said his father had a passion for Alpena and its people and was proud to be a resident of it, even when he was working in Lansing.

“He was a lifelong resident and he was always proud of the fact he grew up on the northside,” Dan Swallow said. “He never wanted to leave. He loved the people, the nature, and the community as a whole. He loved everything about it.”

Swallow was born in Alpena and attended Alpena Public Schools.

After going to college at Central Michigan College of Education, which is now Central Michigan University, Swallow joined the Army and served three years of duty during the Korean War serving as a paratrooper.

Life led Swallow to Detroit where he worked in business before dedicating his life to law and becoming an attorney.

After graduating from law school, Swallow moved back to Alpena where his law and political careers blossomed.

After serving as a prosecutor for two years, Swallow decided to run for state government and proudly worked with political parties on both sides of the aisle to get things done. He was elected to four consecutive terms as a state representative.

Among his accomplishments, while serving in Lansing, were securing funding to build the Plaza Pool at the Alpena High School and for improvements at Mich-e-ke-wis Park.

Swallow also filed and won a lawsuit on behalf of the citizens of Northeast Michigan, halting legislation that would disproportionately allocate state funding to Michigan’s urban cities while excluding those in smaller communities like Northeast Michigan.

Former Probate Judge in Presque Isle County, Don McLennan, said Swallow provided a blend of law and political knowledge to be effective in the state legislature. He said Swallow was a leader in Lansing to make indigent counsel available to people at the appellate level and he was never scared to take on a challenge to get laws passed that benefited the people in Michigan.

“He loved the law and thought the constitution was something that was not always respected by our legislators,” McLennan said. “He loved northern Michigan and he stood for it. He was never scared to stand up for it and the people who live here.”

Alcona County Prosecutor Tom Weichel said Swallow was his mentor and one of the primary reasons he is in the position he is in today. He said the first time he met Swallow was in 1988 after the commencement ceremony where Swallow addressed the graduates of the Detroit College of Law. At the time he didn’t know how important it would be for his future and the area he has called home for so many years.

“Little did I know I would apply for a job for the 26th Circuit Court up here and end up working for him,” Weichel said. “We became extremely dear friends. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and the things he has done for this area are immeasurable. I can’t even begin to tell you everything he has done.”

Dan Swallow said after his father stepped away from politics and practicing law, he became more involved with environmental issues, especially those that preserved and protected the Great Lakes. He said his dad remained current on government issues and was never shy to share his opinions on them and offer advice on how he would address them if he was still in office.

Weichel said there was no doubt in his mind that some of the issues in government today would be less controversial if Swallow was still able to serve.

“He would work with Republicans and Democrats and had absolutely no problem doing so,” Weichel said. “He has very high integrity and always tried to do what he believes was the right thing.”