Willard Swanson

Willard Edward Swanson, aged 95, of Wayland, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Parkview home in Wayland, IA. He was born September 13, 1917, southwest of Olds, Iowa, the son of Clark Edward and Francis Nettie Eleanor Anderson Swanson. He was a life-long resident in Henry County, living 49 years in the east Wayland home before moving to the Parkview Apartments in 2002. The last several years he resided at Parkview Home. He attended Crawford country school, and Olds High School. After his schooling, he became a farm hand for several years and later did contract farming, purchasing his own combine and doing custom work for others in the Trenton and Wayland areas. At a young age he helped with farm threshing and even drove a steam engine himself. During World War II he was part of the Civil Air Patrol and studied telegraphing. He worked for Berg Plumbing and Heating in the Wayland area during which time he met and married Lula Hirschy Davies Swanson, who passed October 11, 2011. Willard worked as a mechanic at the Swedesberg Garage and implement repairman for Lloyd Peterson. Willard was also employed as a carpenter for Spahn and Rose Lumber Company, Wayland Carpenter Shop, and Burgraff carpentry. He helped build a home at Chandler Lake, Arizona, for his Uncle Carl and Aunt Edna Carlson. He and his wife built a cabin at Woman Lake, Minnesota, near Walker, mostly after the age of 70. He also built a two story garage-shop for the east Wayland home. They also enjoyed a home in Rimrock, Arizona, for a number of years. Willard enjoyed Old Threshers and attended this event all but two years it has been in existence. He was a collector of tools of many trades, antique toys, and antiques in general. He built quilt frames for his wife and cut many quilt patterns for her. During their marriage they traveled visiting within the US, also trips to Canada, Mexico, and Europe. They also attended the Iowa State Fair for many years. Survivors included two brothers Robert (Marjorie) Ortonville, Michigan and Roger (Shirley) Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; three step-daughters, Nancy (John) Wendt, Dundee, IL, Deana (Michael) Dickerson, Plymouth, MN, and Annette (Daniel) Reese, Milton, WI.; six grandchildren, David (Shannon), Robert (Jen), and Thomas (Stacey) Davies, Andrew (Carrie) Wendt, Elizabeth Reese (Dennis) Anderson, and Benjamin (Kristi) Reese; eleven great-grandchildren, Alexander, Madeline, and Emma Davies, Parker, Dalton, and Finn Davies, Will and Emery Davies, Patricia Rose Wendt, and Gabriela and Nathan Anderson; nieces and nephews, Linda Swanson, Mark (Kathy) Swanson, Doug Swanson, Kathy Swanson, David (Lisa) Swanson, Scott (Jenni) Swanson, and eleven grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and her son Bradley, who died in 1995, his parents, his sister LaRue who died in 1954, and grandson Christopher (Lillian) Wendt. The family will receive friends from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 8th at the Fern Cliff Evangelical Free Church north of Wayland. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Robert Spilger officiating. Burial will follow in Wayland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Fern Cliff Evangelical Free Church or the charity of the donor's choice. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.