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BORN
1943
DIED
2023
William Swanson Obituary
Bill "Swanny" Swanson, age 79, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by family.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Little Falls. A visitation will be held Friday, April 21, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and two hours prior to service, all at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Bill was born September 2, 1943 to the late Walter and Mildred (Dahlman) Swanson. He grew up in Foley and graduated from Foley High School in 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy (Pattock) Swanson in 1966. Bill received his teaching degree from St. Cloud State University in 1966 and later earned his Master of Science Degree in 1972.
Bill and Judy moved to Hector, MN where he was a teacher and wrestling coach for 3 years before moving too Little Falls in 1969. Here they raised their three children. He was a High School Business and Marketing Teacher retiring in 2000 after 31 years of teaching. During those years, he was the DECA Advisor, Jaycee Kid's Wrestling Coach, and Assistant High School Wrestling Coach. Bill remained involved in the Little Falls Schools as a Substitute Teacher up until his passing. He continued to enjoy the students and Little Falls Community Schools' activities.
Bill was active in the community throughout his years and served as President of the Jaycees and President of the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. He had an entrepreneurial passion. Bill ran the Snack Bars at Camp Ripley for a number of years and he and Judy ran a tropical fish store out of their basement before opening the Special Touch Craft Shop in Little Falls with Millie Thomson (1979-1992). Over the course of 50 years, he and Judy partnered their talents in the crafting business. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandkids life lessons at various craft shows.
In his younger years, he played softball and bowled; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing poker, having coffee with friends, visiting the casino, and spending time with his family. Bill was known for his big hugs, happiness, and his ability to see the good in everyone. He enjoyed life to the fullest and his big presence will forever be missed.
Bill is survived by his wife Judy; sons Mark (Brooke) Swanson of Houston, TX, Dan (Carie) Swanson of Randall, Craig (Tracey) Swanson of Little Falls; sisters Janice Gerth of Princeton, Devona Kilgard of Maple Grove; brother and sisters-in-law David Pattock, Janice Bock, Jim and Diane Pattock, and Dan and Doris Gruszka; grandchildren Collin, Conor, Annele, Abigail, Hunter and Chloe Swanson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mildred Swanson; father and mother-in-law Jack and Harriet Pattock; brothers-in-law Donald Kilgard and Lloyd Gerth; sister-in-law Jacki Pattock; and grandson Jory Frank.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred as they will be identifying an organization to donate in remembrance of Bill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Swanson
Our thoughts and prayers and with you during this difficult time. Bill was such a positive person and a wonderful friend. He will be great missed.
The Tschudy Family
Friend
April 22, 2023
What a wonderful man and a wonderful family . Bill always had something to say to make anyone feel good. On the wrestling mat in the classroom and years after school. We will all miss you Bill.
Chris Hourscht
Chris Hourscht
Friend
April 19, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Judy and her family. Bill was a "one-in-million" gentleman with that contagious smile. Cherish the many memories you've shared over the years...the one thing that can't be taken from you. Rest in peace Bill....God Bless. Until we meet again.
Raymond Freecheck
Friend
April 10, 2023
Mr. Swanson made a difference in our lives. He will always be a highly regarded teacher that lifted us up and believed in our abilities. I have special DECA memories with him including our trip to CA. He had a unique way of making learning fun. We always felt like Swanny had our back. He will be missed.
Cinda Gunderson
School
April 10, 2023
We are sad to hear of Bill´s passing. He was a good guy that loved kids and wrestling and was always friendly. He will be missed.
Rick Radl
Friend
April 8, 2023
Bill always had a smile and a minute to visit. Heaven gained another angel. Mary McCarthy
Mary McCarthy
Friend
April 7, 2023
Our thoughts, hearts & prayers are with all of you! Bill always had a smile on his face & was just a really friendly guy! He will be missed-! Dawn & Brad Laager
Dawn & Brad Laager
School
April 7, 2023
Judy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. Bill was a special person and will be missed by all. Jerome and Karen Haaland
Karen M Haaland
Friend
April 7, 2023
Swansons, Hubbards, Groths, Bendsons... All my family. He will be remembered often and with great joy. I will miss him. He was one of the greats.
Mary Groth
April 7, 2023
Judy and family, I´m very sorry for your loss! Bill was the greatest teacher ever, I had him for Business and DECA, will never forget him, his big smile always brightened our day.
Gloria Hanfler
School
April 6, 2023
Judy, I'm very sorry for your loss! I have so may fond memories of Bill and You, being so very kind to me on those drill weekends, even though I did not deserve it. You and your entire family are in my thoughts an prayers.
Daniel Reek
Friend
April 6, 2023
Judy and family my deepest sympathy! Swanky was such a sweet man with a big smile, hug and ready to tease! He will be missed by so many! RIP Swanny
Renae Schneider
April 6, 2023
Swanny .. simply a great man .. better friend. We enjoyed every minute we spent with him. Thoughts and prayers to his family from the MHC Denver.
Mark & Pam Savage
Friend
April 6, 2023
What a great man! My mother's cousin who made our family picnic so wonderful! I am so sorry Judy! I am praying for all of you! I feel honored to have been a relative to Bill, he made a difference in my life! I will miss him dearly!
Lori Erickson
Family
April 6, 2023
I had Swanny for a teacher for 2 years DECA I had a lot of respect for that man I will miss him sending love and prayers to the family Steve Vogl
Steve vogl
School
April 6, 2023
Swanny was a big guy with an even bigger heart. He always wanted everyone to be happy!! Dick&Bev Culshaw
Beverly Culshaw
Friend
April 6, 2023
One of the best, positive, and caring teachers/friends you could ask for! Bill was a great coach and a great motivator! Countless memories of his great personality and his dedication to his colleagues and students will last forever! Swanny will live on in our hearts!
David Girtz
Work
April 6, 2023
Judy and family. Deepest sympathies to you all. Swanny was quite the character. Always wearing a smile and kidding around. He will be greatly missed.
Darrol & Judi Zak Ficek
Friend
April 6, 2023
He always gave the best hugs and could make me smile just being around him. I will miss you Uncle Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with Judy and family.
Carrie Pattock
Family
April 6, 2023
I am so Sorry for Your Loss What a Super Nice Man Thoughts and Prayers to Bills family
Peggy Holmquist
Family
April 5, 2023
When I think of Swany I see a hug friendly smile and a very kind and welcoming man! He will be missed by many many people! Deepest condolences to Judy and his wonderful family.
Bonnie Nagel
April 5, 2023
When I think of Swany I see a huge welcoming friendly smile. He always seemed happy and was such a kind & giving guy! He will be missed by many many people!
Bonnie Nagel
Work
April 5, 2023
Such a wonderful man . Loved Swany as a teacher . Always had a hug and a smile . Rest in peace.
Sherri weikert
Friend
April 5, 2023
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