Herbert Swanson

Herbert Swanson, of Cadillac, formerly of LeRoy, passed away at his home early Sunday morning, January 5, 2014, with members of his family at his bedside. He was 86. Herb was born the youngest of five children on May 15, 1927, at the family farm in LeRoy, to Carl and Ethel (Nelson) Swanson. He was raised on the farm and graduated from LeRoy High School in 1944. Herb was the captain and a key member of the 1944 LeRoy basketball team which reached the state finals with a 34 game winning streak. In August of 1944, Herb joined the U.S. Army, being sent to the University of Illinois for three terms and then Michigan State for three months before serving for seven months in the Galapagos Islands. On April 15, 1950, Herb married the former Ruth Johnson, of Cadillac, at Zion Lutheran Church in Cadillac. He is survived by his wife of 63 years. Herb's employment began as co-owner of Swanson Brothers' Lumber of LeRoy. After several years, he turned to farming and bought a farm on the south end of LeRoy. With another brother, he raised beef and dairy cattle, and farmed many crops, most prominently, potatoes. The last 10 years of his working life were spent at Yoplait of Reed City where he retired in 1989. Herb was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in LeRoy. He was an extremely active member holding several offices over the years. He was also a member of the LeRoy and Pine River school boards for 20 years. He enjoyed his family, sports in all capacities, and traveling. He even traveled abroad twice to see relatives. In addition to his wife, Herb is survived by his children: Rick (Patti) Swanson of Manton, Dennis (Vona) Swanson of Big Rapids, Jim (Barb) Swanson of Grand Rapids, and Sandra (Sam) Dean of Orchard Park, N.Y.; grandchildren: Malinda Swanson, Daniel (Sarah) Swanson, Matthew (Callie) Swanson, Andrew (Jennifer) Swanson, Nathan (Amy) Swanson, Haley Swanson, Kirsten Dean, Adam Swanson; step-grandchildren, Sydney Nulf and Henry Nulf; eight great-grandchildren: Chloe, Quinton, Brody, Beckett, Grayson, Kaia, McKynley, and Cora; siblings: Alfreda Swanson of Cadillac, Karl Phillip (Darlene) Swanson, and Emil (Joan) Swanson, both of LeRoy; and in-laws: Ella Mae Swanson, Hilda Enderton, Joyce Johnson, and Richard and Barb Johnson. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Herb was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert "StanleyÃ¢â‚¬Â Swanson. Herb was a kind, hard-working, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Visitation to celebrate his life will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Tustin. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of LeRoy. Final resting place will be Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac.

Herbert Swanson

May 15, 1927 - January 5, 2014