Theodore Swanson

KINGSFORD - Theodore "Ted" Swanson, 67, formerly of 700 Elizabeth St. in East Kingsford, died peacefully and unexpectedly Thursday, Sept.14, 2006, at Clement Zablocki Veterans Hospital in Milwaukee. He was born Jan. 3, 1939, in Kingsford. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he began his career in electronics. When he received his discharge, he held a position as chief analyst, airborne navigational electronics with the Strategic Air Command. Ted was considered one of the pioneer engineers in the cable and television distribution field. He began his cable career in Iron Mountain/Kingsford. As his expertise increased, Ted became co-founder/operator of the cable systems in Rhinelander and Stevens Point, Wis. Ted's next position was vice president of engineering for the largest cable system in the United States, which included more than 45 cable systems throughout the U.S. As his career progressed, Ted was involved in the construction of some of the larger cable systems in the U.S. which included the cities of Los Angeles, Albuquerque, N.M., Des Moine, Iowa, Reno Nev., Naples, Fla. and Indianapolis, Ind. Due to health conditions, Ted's career concluded in West Palm Beach, Fla. In the next few years, Ted became very involved as a volunteer in the Emergency Trauma Center at St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach. One of the highlights of his more than 5,000 hours of volunteer work happened on the evening of March 13, 1997, when former President Bill Clinton was brought in with an injury and Ted helped with his care during his hospital stay. Ted enjoyed remodeling, fishing, nature and life in the Upper Peninsula. He married the former Faye Smeester in 1963, and she preceded him in death in 1980. He was also preceded in death by his father, Kenneth "K.O." Swanson. He is survived by his son, Theodore "Ted" Swanson Jr. of Manitou Springs, Colo.; daughters, Fabia (Jay) Bracklein of Boone, Iowa, Sarita (Korrie) VanMaanen of Rock Valley, Iowa and Adora Thayer of Florida; his mother, Elsie Swanson of Kingsford; a brother, Gary (Roswitha) Swanson of Thomasville, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two nieces and many friends and relatives; his dearest friend, Marikay Henricksen of Wausaukee, Wis. and his princess, Maya. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ted Swanson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Theodore Swanson

January 3, 1939 - September 14, 2006