Ray Swanson
Ray Swanson
April 19, 1923 – November 03, 2011
Oskaloosa, Iowa
Served with Honor – United States Military Veteran
Ray died Thursday at Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Services Serenity House in Oskaloosa. As Ray requested, his body has been cremated, and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Raymond L. Swanson was born April 19, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Clarence N. and Mary Knight Swanson. He was raised in Fremont and was a 1940 graduate of Fremont High School. He attended William Penn College for two years and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served as a fighter pilot in the Aleutian Islands, and was discharged in 1946. Ray married Jean McFadden on June 2, 1946, in Oskaloosa, where they made their home. Ray then joined his father-in-law at Mahaska Bookstore until his retirement in 1992. Ray served as president of the Oskaloosa Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a past member and president of the Oskaloosa Noon Kiwanis Club, past member of the William Penn College Board of Trustees, and a member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served on several boards and committees. He was also a loyal member of Do-Gooders International. He was an avid reader and loved golfing, fishing and bird watching. Throughout the years he enjoyed a large, diverse group of friends, for whom his family is grateful. His last days were spent at the M.H.P. Serenity House and his family is truly thankful for the exceptional, loving care he received there.
Ray’s family includes his children: Christina Randell, Jennifer and John Swanson, all of Oskaloosa and James (Sandra) Swanson of Des Moines; seven grandchildren: Charlie Randell, Anne (Jeremy) Black, Amanda Rae Swanson, James, Jessica, Mary and Shawn Swanson; two great-grandchildren: Alicia Jean Long and Waker Jon Black; his sister-in-law, Elaine Swanson of Omaha, Neb.; and two nephews: Scott and Greg Swanson.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Jean on January 6, 2004; a brother, Richard Swanson; and a nephew, Mark Swanson.
Memorials may be made to M.H.P. Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
