Roger Swanson

KINGSFORD - Roger D. Swanson, 82, of 124 Henford St., Kingsford, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, at his home. Roger was born on Sept. 21, 1924, in Rhinelander, Wis., the youngest child of the late Oscar and Emma (Carlson) Swanson. As a child, the family moved to Kingsford where his father worked at the Ford plant and they resided at 712 E. Sagola St. in East Kingsford. Roger graduated with the Kingsford High School class of 1942. After school, he went to Milwaukee to work for a year, and then to California working on radio equipment for the U.S. Signal Corps. After the war, he was employed by United Airlines in Sacramento, Calif., returning to this area in the early 1950s. He married Frances "Babe" Coello in Calumet, on Oct.16, 1954. Roger was employed by Cochran Motors, General Controls, Lake Shore and at Edwards Chevrolet in the parts department, retiring in 1986. In his earlier years, Roger enjoyed hanging out at K.O.'s gas station, hunting at Elmer's camp, fishing and golfing. Most recently, he enjoyed watching the Weather Channel and all sports, especially the Packers. He was an avid storyteller. Roger cherished the time he spent with his grandson, Matt. He was a kind and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor and friend to many and will be missed very much. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Babe; sons, Michael (Teresa) and their son, Matthew, of Kingsford, Mark (Kim) of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Todd (Beth) of Marquette; his sisters-in-law, Ruth and Elsie Swanson of Kingsford and Johanna Gravier of Spirit Lake, Wis. and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, K.O. and Alton Swanson and four sisters, Lois (Elmer) Freeberg, Doreen (Vern) Josephson, Arlaine (John) McDonough and Ardith Swanson. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Roger Swanson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Roger Swanson

January 7, 1925 - January 7, 2007