Walter J. Swietlik, Jr.

WALTER J. SWIETLIK JR. “WALLY”

Walt Swietlik of Cedarburg passed away at Lawlis Family Hospice Center in Mequon in the early hours of Friday, March 27, 2026 following a long battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.

Walt was born in Milwaukee on April 29, 1960, the son of Walter and Barbara (nee Burbach) Swietlik. He grew up in Port Washington and attended local schools, graduating from Port Washington High School, Class of 1978. Walt continued his education at St. Norbert College and attained a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1982. He has many fond memories of his time there and would frequently visit the campus throughout his life.

On March 16, 1985, Walt was united in marriage with the love of his life, Kelly Rafferty, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. The couple settled in Cedarburg and started their family, being blessed with their two children, Erin and Chris. Walt worked as a sales executive for Rite-Hite, retiring in 2024 after 40 successful years, developing a passion for the business, building strong relationships with colleagues and customers, and mentoring the next generation of sales associates.

Walt was a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg. He had an affinity for the outdoors, and a passion for being on the water. Walt loved sailing and was part of a racing crew for many years, crewing most recently River Road. His dream of living on the water was finally realized when he and Kelly purchased their condo in Sister Bay, enjoying summer walks along the marina, fall colors, New Year's Eve Cherry Drops, and Easter vacations. When he wasn't on the water in Port Washington or Door County, you could find him putting together his latest woodworking project in his workshop, trying to improve his score on the golf course, or seeing how far he could drive in a day.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Kelly, their daughter Erin (Peter Oleson) Swietlik of Denver, CO, son Christopher (Shoshana) Swietlik of Madison, and grandchildren Frances, Elliott and Gabriel. Walt is further survived by his mother Barbara Swietlik-Metz of Fredonia, sisters Susan (Fernando) Bermeo of Cuenca, Ecuador, and Sally (John) Payne of Leawood, KS, brother Michael (Tracy) Swietlik of Grafton, many nieces and nephews, other family and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, the Honorable Walter J. Swietlik.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1PM on Wednesday, April 8th, at St. Francis Borgia Church, 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg. Father Patrick Burns will preside at the Mass. Walt will be laid to rest immediately following Mass in St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. The family will receive guests on Tuesday, April 7th, from 3PM until 7PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg (1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI).

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Walt’s name to the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, (https://sailingcenter.org/  ) the Door County Maritime Museum, (https://dcmm.org/) or the Port Washington Yacht Club, in keeping with his wish to share the love of sailing with others.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the entire team at Froedtert Center for Advanced Care, especially Dr. Joel Blumin and his staff, for all the excellent care throughout Walt’s illness.

The Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuenralhome.com .