Jerry Swanson, 69
Jerry R. Swanson, 69, Red Oak, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.
Jerry Raymond Swanson, the son of Clifford M. and Lorene A. (Sederburg) Swanson was born Dec. 18, 1943, in Red Oak. Jerry was raised in the Stanton area as the family lived on a farm north of Stanton and later moved to a farm southeast of Stanton. While in high school, Jerry played Viking football and baseball. He graduated with the Stanton High School class of 1963. In September of 1963, he entered the U. S. Air Force.
On Dec. 27, 1964, Jerry married Cathy J. Fisher in Red Oak. Following his four years of serving during the Vietnam War and after his honorable discharge Sept. 11, 1967, Jerry and Cathy made their home in Red Oak.
Throughout the next eight years, Jerry worked for Perry Woods, Oakview Electric, Viking Electric, Star Ag and D and L. In 1975, Jerry began his 28-year career with NSK-AKS in Clarinda. He worked his way to plant manager, retiring in 2003.
Jerry enjoyed many hobbies and activities, especially fishing. He hosted fish fries and was a great cook. He enjoyed hunting and playing poker. He loved his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed following all their activities. Jerry was a member of the Red Oak First United Methodist Church, Nishna Valley Bass Masters, American Legion Ernie Johnson Post #406 of Stanton and past member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Lorene Swanson; father-in-law, Richard E. Fisher and sister-in-law, Patsy Fisher.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Cathy Swanson of Red Oak; three daughters, Laurie (Jeff) Van Scoy of Red Oak, Wendy (David) Ensley of Glenwood and Heidi (Aaron) Wendt of Red Oak; eight grandchildren, Abbey (Adam) Smith of Red Oak, Allie (Trinton) Strauss of Elliott, Andi (Nathan Stork) Van Scoy of Massena, Benjamin Ensley and Samantha Ensley of Glenwood and Madison Wendt, Kamryn Wendt and Tori Wendt all of Red Oak; three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Aspen and Austyn Strauss; a brother, Larry (Sue) Swanson of Lenexa, Kan.; a special nephew, Douglas Swanson and his son, Evan of Collinwood, Texas; an aunt, Nadine Johnson of Stanton; mother-in-law, LaVonne Fisher of Red Oak; brother-in-law, Mick (Marlys) Fisher of Red Oak; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral services were Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Red Oak. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, with military graveside rites. Rev. Fred Pilecki officiated.
Memorials may be directed to the family. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.