John V. Swanson

John V. Swanson, age 68, of Walnut Grove passed away Saturday, September 17, 2011 at St. Cloud Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. 

Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Interment is in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

John Victor Swanson was born May 5, 1943 on the family farm in Springdale Township, north of Walnut Grove, to Victor and Sadie (Farr) Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed, and was a lifelong member, at Trinity Lutheran Church. John attended District 116 through the 6th grade, and continued his education at Walnut Grove Public School. On October 14, 1966 he was united in marriage to Gail Christenson. To this union two children, Teri Lynn and Duane, were born. John married Carol A. Ferrian on September 26, 1987. They were the first couple married in the museum chapel. John farmed until 1971. He started trucking for Elkhoff Enterprises in 1983, and on March 10, 1988 he started with Swanson Trucking. John loved driving his truck.

John Swanson is survived by his wife Carol of almost 24 years; son Duane Swanson of Monticello; stepchildren: Tiffany (Kurt) Krieger of Pennock, Diana Dunkklee of Luverne, James Ferrian of Japan, and Darlene (Todd) Hansen of Spicer; grandchildren: Robert and Rebecca Swanson; 10 stepgrandchildren; siblings: Eugene (Marilyn) Swanson of Walnut Grove, Jillene (Eldon) Kathman of Buffalo, Richard (Faith) Swanson of Walnut Grove, and Ruth Ann (John) Thompson of St. Paul; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Teri Lynn, and sister Arlene Purdy.