Curlin “Curly” Swanson age 77 of Eagle Lake passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at Oak Lawn Health Care Center in Mankato while surrounded by his family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment is in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery north of Walnut Grove.  A visitation with the family will also be held from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2023 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m.  Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.  Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Curlin Swanson was born January 22, 1946 in Sleepy Eye, MN to Laverne & Leona (Nelson) Swanson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye.  Curlin graduated from Sleepy Eye Public High School in 1964.  He helped farm with his grandfather and neighbors before enlisting in the US Air Force November 16, 1965.  He worked as an airplane mechanic and served a year in Vietnam.  While in the service, Curlin was united in marriage to Carol Moseng in Marshall, MN on September 10, 1966.  He received his honorable discharge November 15, 1971.  After the service, he attended Southwest MN State University in Marshall and earned his degree in Agriculture Business.  He also joined the Minnesota National Guard, serving an additional 17 years.  Curlin worked at several agriculture related businesses including Lindsey Bros. in Mankato.  Curlin and Carol made their home in Eagle Lake where he was a member of the American Legion Post 617.  Curlin was a longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato, and was also active in the DAV in New Ulm and Boy Scouts of America.  Curlin loved spending time tinkering on Allis Chalmers Tractors at the family farm near Walnut Grove.  He belonged to the Upper Midwest Allis Chalmers Club.  He was very mechanical and enjoyed working on cars and woodworking.  Curlin also enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and visiting family.

Curlin is survived by his wife Carol of 56 years, son Charles (Stephanie) Swanson of Walnut Grove, daughter Sam “Eunice” (Shon) Huettl of Atlanta, GA, grandchildren: Sophia & Sadie Swanson, and Alix, Tasha & Zac Huettl, sister LuAnn (Bill) Koetter of Sandstone, VA, and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, son Curlin Jr., and a sister and brother in law Dianne & Jeff Saari.