Glen D. Swanson

Glen D. Swanson, 86 year old resident of Upsala, MN passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls, MN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN with Rev. Trish Jorgenson officiating. Burial will take place in the Gethsemane Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. on Friday and from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapels. Glen was born on September 21, 1926 in Elmdale township, MN to the late Joseph and Esther (Stenholm) Swanson. He was baptized, confirmed, and a life long member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN. Glen grew up on the family farm on Long Lake and attended school in Upsala, MN graduating in 1945. After graduation he worked in Minneapolis, MN. Glen served in the US Army in the 110th Infantry Division from 1952 until 1954 where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge Glen returned to work in Minneapolis until 1959 when his father passed away. He then returned home to Upsala and took over the family business, Swanson Oil Co. Glen was united in marriage to Joyce Gerlach on August 5, 1961 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, trap shooting, golfing, and watching and attending sporting events. Glen was a charter member of the Upsala Lions Club and a 50 year member of American Legion Post #350. Glen raised beef cattle on his farm and also drove school bus for 12 years for Upsala School District. He was an active member of the Upsala Senior Center where he spent much time playing pool and cribbage. Glen loved to travel and the highlight of each trip was visiting family and friends. He also enjoyed motorcycling, especially when he purchased his Honda Goldwing. Though Glen had many hobbies and interests he truly loved being with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Glen spent the last 16 months of his life at St. Otto’s Care Center receiving extra special care from the wonderful staff. Glen was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Glen is survived by wife, Joyce Swanson of Upsala, MN; son, Mark Swanson of Minneapolis, MN; daughters, Sharon Wunsch of Eden Prairie, MN and Patricia (David) Gunderson of Upsala, MN; grandchildren, John (Karissa) Wunsch of Onalaska, WI, Jennifer (Aaron) Carrell of Minneapolis, MN, Jodi (Tony) Gallup of Eden Prairie, MN, Sara (Mark) Okern of Chaska, MN, Amy (Steve) Tanner of Blaine, MN, and Karl Gunderson of Upsala, MN; great-grandchildren, Lyla & Brielle Carrell, Abigail Gallup, and Makayla Tanner. Honorary family members Karl (Theresa) Passmore of McHenry, IL; Mauricio (Vanessa) San Roman of Celaya, Mexico. Glen was preceded in death by parents, brother & sister-in-law, James & Yvonne Swanson; and son-in-law, Herb Wunsch.

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Glen D. Swanson

September 21, 1926 - December 4, 2012