Howard W. Swanson

Howard William Swanson, 95, of Pender, NE, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender.  The visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.  The funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill, NE, with Reverend Brion Tolzman officiating.  Burial with military honors will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery in Pender.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.  

Howard was born on June 3, 1926, in Kennard, NE, the son of Harry and Mable (Jensen) Swanson.  He attended school in Washington, NE, and was drafted into the United States Army during WWII, serving from 1944 until 1946 with the 43^rd Division in the Philippines and the X1 Corps Artillery in Japan.  After returning from the war, Howard worked for Carl Swanson on the farm near Thurston, NE.  On January 24, 1958, Howard was joined in marriage to Marilyn Redding at Elk Point, SD.  To this union two children were born, Janet and Jim.  Howard was a lifelong farmer, member of the American Legion and VFW.  He enjoyed playing pool, bowling and golfing.  He loved attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities and events. 

Howard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn of Pender, NE; son, Jim Swanson of Dakota Dunes, SD; daughter, Janet (Robert “Bob”) Gill of Jackson, NE; grandchildren, Tysen (Chris) Swanson, Lindsey (Jake) Robinson, Evan (Ashley) Swanson, Weston (Paige) Swanson, Matt (Paige) Gill, Jon (Melissa) Gill, Caleb Gill; seven great grandchildren; and a sister, Lorraine Juul of Omaha, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Swanson; sisters, Clara Connelly and Elaine Fredlick.