Swanson, John A.

John A. Swanson, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died at home on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 1844 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Steve Knudson. Military Honors by: American Legion Post No. 727. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and also one hour before the service. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Evelyn; son, Steve (Barbara) Swanson of Marion; daughters, Susan (Russ Bramer) Swanson of Cedar Rapids, and Julie (Dean) Miller of Marion; six grandchildren, Zak, Zane, Shawn, Krystal, Nick and Mandy; three great grandchildren, Ike, Abe and Ted; and a stepsister, Jean Ann Swanson of Corpus Christi, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

John was born June 16, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Carl and Lillian (Kasper) Swanson. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1945 and attended the University of Iowa. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Evelyn Medinger on Sept. 6, 1952. John began his career at Wilson's Meat Packing then worked for Durkee Food Service for 26 years, retiring as a sales manager.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Mount Hermon Lodge No. 263, and the former Hanford American Legion Post No. 5. John enjoyed woodworking, fishing, cooking for his family and organizing Franklin class reunions. Above all family was most important to him and he will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation, 2800 University Ave., Suite 141, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about John at .

Published in The Gazette Jan. 12, 2012.