Kenneth R. Swanson (1924-2005)

SWANSON, JENSEN, HETLAND, THORSON, PETZENHAUSER, ENGLISH

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/29/2007 at 20:04:22

The Story City Herald, Wednesday, September 7, 2005.

Kenneth R. Swanson, 80, passed away at Immanuel Medical Center, _ Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005.

Ken was born Nov. 22, 1924 to Clifford A. and Christine (Jensen) Swanson in Omaha. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, and in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for his dedicated service to his country. He married Betty June Thorson on Nov. 15, 1952 in Story City. They made their home in Omaha.

Ken is survived by his children, Mary and Marylou Swanson, Scott and Melissa Swanson, Kristi and Randy Hetland, and James Swanson, all of Story City, Iowa and Robert Swanson of Dayton, Iowa; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; brothers, Alan (Lorraine) and James (Shirley) Swanson of Omaha; brothers- and sisters-in-law James and Joyce Thorson, and Joyce Hanson of Jewell, Iowa; Irvin Thorson of Leland, Iowa; and Beverly Petzenhauser of Auburn, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; infant sons, Richard and Ronald; sister, Dorlene English; and special friend, MaryJo Shirley.

Services were held Friday, Aug. 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska with Rev. Mike Knudson officiating. Pallbearers were Dan Wheeler, Justin Wheeler, Tony Swanson, Andrew Heltand, Cheyne Hesse, Alan Swanson and Matthew Swanson. Honorary pallbearers were Dick Dykes, Vaughn Hazen, James Thorson, Irvin Thorson, Bruce Wood and David Wood.

Memorials may be made to V.F.W. Post 2503 (Omaha, Nebraska), Trinity Lutheran Church, Elim Lutheran Church, St. Petri Lutheran Church or Bethel Lutheran Church.