Memorial

Steven Allen “Steve” Swayne, 69, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away on September 15, 2026, at 8:12 p.m. at UIHC following a short illness.

He was born on July 16, 1957, in Ludington, MI to James R. and Nancy L. Swayne.  He married Nancy E. McConnell on May 29, 1978, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Delavan, IL.  They divorced in 2004, and she survives.

Also surviving are four children, Amy E. Swayne of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jill R. Swayne of Cedar Rapids, IA, Matthew S. Swayne of Davenport, IA, and Nathaniel “Nathan” B. Swayne of Cedar Rapids, IA; and two brothers, David Swayne of Pekin, IL and Paul Swayne of Brigham City, UT.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents.

He worked in insurance as a commercial lines underwriter with various insurance agencies across the country.  He was an avid sports fan whose favorite teams included the Chicago Cubs, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers.  He enjoyed watching soccer as well.

Steve’s greatest passion in life was music.  He studied music at Illinois Central College and at Illinois State University with the goal of becoming a music teacher.  He played professionally for many years and could play keyboards and all varieties of saxophone.  For 22 years, he adopted the moniker of DJ MoZo and hosted two internet radio shows via House of Prog devoted to progressive rock and jazz.

A private family Service and Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the American Cancer Society.

Let the music of all progressive rock stars and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” soar!  The mercurial stranger has come home!  In the words of MoZo, “Be well, be blessed, and know that you are loved.”