Foley, Minnesota
Bill “Swanny” Swanson, age 79, passed away March 30, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by family.
A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Little Falls. A visitation will 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 21, and two hours prior to service, all at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Bill was born Sept. 2, 1943, to the late Walter and Mildred (Dahlman) Swanson. He grew up in Foley and graduated from Foley High School in 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy (Pattock) Swanson, in 1966. Bill received his teaching degree from St. Cloud State University in 1966 and later earned his master of science degree in 1972.
Bill and Judy moved to Hector where he was a teacher and wrestling coach for three years before moving to Little Falls in 1969. Here, they raised their three children. He was a high school business and marketing teacher retiring in 2000 after 31 years of teaching. During those years, he was the DECA adviser, Jaycee kid’s wrestling coach, and assistant high school wrestling coach. Bill remained involved in Little Falls schools as a substitute teacher up until his passing. He continued to enjoy the students and Little Falls community schools’ activities.
Bill was active in the community throughout his years and served as president of the Jaycees and president of the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. He had an entrepreneurial passion. Bill ran the snack bars at Camp Ripley for a number of years, and he and Judy ran a tropical fish store out of their basement before opening the Special Touch Craft Shop in Little Falls with Millie Thomson (1979-1992). Over the course of 50 years, he and Judy partnered their talents in the crafting business. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandkids life lessons at various craft shows.
In his younger years, he played softball and bowled; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing poker, having coffee with friends, visiting the casino, and spending time with his family. Bill was known for his big hugs, happiness and his ability to see the good in everyone. He enjoyed life to the fullest and his big presence will forever be missed.
Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Mark (Brooke) Swanson of Houston, Texas, Dan (Carie) Swanson of Randall, Craig (Tracey) Swanson of Little Falls; sisters, Janice Gerth of Princeton, Devona Kilgard of Maple Grove; brother and sisters-in-law David Pattock, Janice Bock, Jim and Diane Pattock, and Dan and Doris Gruszka; grandchildren, Collin, Conor, Annele, Abigail, Hunter and Chloe Swanson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mildred Swanson; father and mother-in-law Jack and Harriet Pattock; brothers-in-law Donald Kilgard and Lloyd Gerth; sister-in-law Jacki Pattock; and grandson Jory Frank.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred as they will be identifying an organization to donate in remembrance of Bill.
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