Harry Swanson

QUINNESEC - Harry Edward Swanson, 88, of Quinnesec, passed away Monday, May 25, 2009, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain. He was born on Nov. 15, 1920, in Richardsburg, Mich., son of the late Victor and Emma (Carlson) Swanson. He graduated from Quinnesec High School in 1938. He then worked in CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camp before joining the Army. Harry was a front line observer in the army, earning the rank of 1st lieutenant, serving in Africa and Italy during World War II. He was also a 32nd degree Mason. Harry married Ethelyn Nordman on Dec. 7, 1943. They resided in Quinnesec until the Ford plant closed in Kingsford. They moved a few times before settling in Livonia, Mich. in 1954. He retired from Ford Motor Co. in 1977 and then moved back to the Iron Mountain-Quinnesec area. Harry was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Quinnesec. He was a faithful and active member of the church and served on the council for many years. His faith was a large part of his life and he lived it as a true Christian. Harry loved working out in his yard. In the summer you would find him riding his tractor or taking care of his flower garden. Harry is survived by a daughter, Peggy (Gene) Ireland of Quinnesec; a son, Steven (Beverly) Swanson of Quinnesec; three grandsons, Scott Swanson of Lansing, Mike (Doreen) Ireland of Suring Wis. and Drs. Kevin (Sandy) Ireland of Peshtigo Wis.; and four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Alexandria, Simone and Sheyna Ireland. Harry will be sadly missed by his family and by all those who knew him. Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Ethelyn; three sisters, Viola Nordman, Isabel Larson and Evelyn Piper; and two brothers, Gordon and Walter The funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. Calvary Lutheran Church in Quinnesec. Viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m at the church. A luncheon will be served following the service. Pastors Stephen Cowen and Cindy Cowen will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be set up at Calvary Lutheran Church. Pallbearers will be Scott Swanson, Mike Ireland, Kevin Ireland, Ken Wilcox, Paul Forstrom, and Larry Underhill. The family would like to give a very special thank you to Dr. Loewen and his staff, nurses on second floor medical at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital and to the wonderful care our dad/grandfather received from those extraordinary women at Evergreen Memory Unit. Thank you all. Condolences to the family of Harry E. Swanson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.