The funeral service for Emmett R. Sward of rural Geneva will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church, Geneva. The Rev. Gary Liker will officiate. Interment will be in the Geneva Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and one hour before service at the church. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations.

Emmett R. Sward, 84, of Geneva passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, at the Veteran’s Hospital Medical Center, Minneapolis.

Emmett Robert Sward was born June 7, 1923, son of John & Anna (Forsberg) Sward in Ida Grove, Iowa. He came to Minnesota as a young man living most of his adult life in the Geneva area. He served his country honorably during World War II, receiving many awards including the purple heart. Emmett was a self- employed trucker, painter, welder and mechanic.

He will be remembered for his gentleness and kindness to others and his love for animals, especially horses. Blessed be his memory.

Emmett is survived by one brother, Roger and his wife, Joyce Sward of Clarks Grove; four sisters, Clara White of Onalaska, Wis., Hazel Christenson of Clarks Grove, Phyllis Lipowski of Clarks Grove, Doris Clark of Jacksonville, Fla., numerous nieces and nephews.

Emmett was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marie Heilman; three brothers, Carl &8220;Swede,&8221; Nels &8220;Bud&8221; and Gordon Sward.