Swanson, Richard H.

Richard H. Swanson, 57, of Fertile, Iowa, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, ended his earthly life May 26, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City. His family will greet and meet friends today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Gardens, located at the corner of Second Avenue North and North Eighth Street in Clear Lake. Galilean Lutheran Church of Clear Lake will provide a light lunch at the gardens. A private family gathering of thanksgiving for Rich's life will follow.

Family suggests memorials to the Richard H. Swanson Memorial Fund be sent to PO Box 131, Fertile, IA 50434.

Rich was born Aug. 21, 1952, in Princeton, Ill., son of Harry and Alverda (Teske) Swanson. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1970. Rich received his Bachelor of Arts from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. While in college he met Jacqueline Hodgkins and the two married Aug. 25, 1973. Together they are proud parents and grandparents of two daughters and their families: Cathy (33) and Abby, their children, Destiny and Solomon, from Chicago and Sarah (30) and Bill Grant, their children, Lily, Danny and Kate, from Mason City, Iowa.

In 1974, after graduating, he began working for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance in Marion. Rich and his family moved to Clear Lake in 1996, then to Fertile in 1998 where Rich worked for DEX Media out of Mason City.

Rich was a constant sports enthusiast, especially for the Da Bears and Da Bulls and the Iowa Hawkeyes. His sense of humor will be greatly missed. He was an excellent historian, especially with U.S. history and current events and often surprised others with his depth of facts and analysis. Rich was a man of family principles: conviction to God, strong work ethic, patience, and wise advice. He had a wonderful gift and ministry of helping others with a listening ear, a quiet dependable presence and availability.

He loved his family and in death will be deeply missed by his wife of 36 years, Jackie; his children and grandchildren; brother, Gail Swanson and his wife, Soukenthea, of Forest Park, Ill.; extended family, friends and business associates.

Rich was preceded in death by his mom and dad.

Rich's family is deeply grateful to the Emergency Medical Technicians, the compassionate and capable medical staff of Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, and the community of prayers and support that have surrounded the family in this difficult time. The presence of Christ's saving grace embraced Rich and his family through the pastoral care of Pastor Jeff Ungs (Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake) and Pastor Emily Horrell (Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Mason City).

The family takes comfort in knowing up to 100 people will benefit from the gift of his mortal body through organ donations.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel,

101 N. Fourth St.,

Clear Lake, IA 50428

(641) 357-2193