Harold Swanson Passes at Age 81
Harold L. Swanson, 81, of St. Paul, died on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Reverend Vince Parsons and Deacon Neil Baquet presided. Lectors were Alice and Luke Benes. Gift bearers were Bill and Cindy Ference, and David and Christie Ference. Eucharistic ministers were Luke Benes and Dianne Rice. Julie Dush sang. Selections and recorded music included “Old Rugged Cross,” “Ave Maria,” “Our Father,” “One Bread, One Body,” and “Honey Bee Waltz” by Three Guys Polka.
Interment was at the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Casket bearers were William Swanson, Mike Ference, Ryan Sharp, Dennis Ference, Olivea Swanson, and Butch Nielsen. Honorary bearers were David Ference, Larry Rasmussen, Michael Swanson, Steve Swanson, Mary Nabity, Kenneth Swanson, Douglas Swanson, Leann Tice, Jason Swanson, Amy Earnest, Robert Swanson, Paul D. Nielsen, Steve Ference, and Bill Ference.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are suggested to the St. Paul Fire Department and EMTs.
Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul assisted the family.
Harold was born on January 10, 1942 on the family farm northeast of Wolbach the oldest son of Fred W and Esther M. (Nielsen) Swanson. In 1949, the family moved to Michigan, where he attended school in Montrose, Michigan. In 1958, the family moved back to Wolbach and he graduated from Wolbach High School in 1960. He was confirmed into the Catholic faith in 1961.
He was united in marriage to Leona M. Fost on September 28, 1963 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. They lived their entire married lives in St. Paul.
Harold worked at Jarecke Motor Company Chrysler-Plymouth dealership and Jarecke IHC Implement dealership in St. Paul for thirteen years. In January 1974, he began working for Case New Holland, Inc. in Grand Island, retiring in January 1999. He then was employed at the St. Paul Senior Center until 2012.
He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 1918. He was a past member of the St. Paul Fire Department and had also served as an officer with the St. Paul Police Department. He was also a lifetime member of the Polish Heritage Center in Ashton.
Harold enjoyed fishing, camping, working on older cars, and birdwatching with Leona. He took great pride and joy in his yardwork and gardening. He also enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives.
He was a wonderful husband and very proud father of his two sons and their accomplishments in life. He adored his grandchildren, taking great interest in all their activities.
He is survived by his wife, Leona Swanson of St. Paul; two sons, Martin William Swanson and his wife, Rhonda L. Puckett-Swanson, of Lincoln, and Marv Anthony Swanson and his wife, Amy Swanson, of Exeter; grandchildren, William Swanson, Olivea Swanson, and Ryan Sharp; siblings and spouses, Ronald and Elaine Swanson, Bill Swanson, and Linda and Mel Fuller, all of St. Paul; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Swanson; infant sister, Lana Swanson; brother-in-law, Lyle Rasmussen; and grandparents, Harvey and Maude Swanson and Jens and Bertha Nielsen.