Obituary of Leslie Raymond Swanson

Leslie Raymond Swanson, age 97, passed away on September 9, 2021 spending his last days living independently in his home of 70 years where he and his wife Ruth raised their four sons and were a neighborhood fixture.

Les was born in Superior to parents, Robert and Alma Swanson on August 21, 1924. He attended Pattison School receiving perfect attendance in the 9th grade before going on to Central High School where he graduated on May 28, 1942.

At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Marines. He served in the South and Central Pacific area from October 20, 1942 to February 2, 1945. He participated in action against the enemy on the British Solomon Islands; Tarawa, Gilbert Islands; Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal , October 6, 1945.

On December 30, 1950 he married Ruth Johnson in Park Falls, WI. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before she passed on February 11, 2016. Together they took many bus trips and flights to Vegas to gamble and be with their friends. Both were very involved in the Shriners, Les volunteering many hours with the burro patrol and selling tickets for the AAD Temple Shrine Circus. They were active members of the Bethel Lutheran Church.

He joined the Superior Fire Department in 1951. He retired as Captain after serving 29 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin; infant son, James and his wife, Ruth.

He is survived by his sons, Robert (Cathy), Dennis (Orasa), Bruce (Kathy) and Sigiel (Danielle) Swanson. Missing him are his grandchildren, Velvet (Ron) Williams, Rachel (Dan) Lind, Brian (Andrea) Swanson, Christopher (Kim) Swanson and Ashley Swanson; great-grandchildren, Nora, Hunter, and Hailee Lind, Lily, Sam and Paisley Swanson. He left behind many nieces and nephews; and best friend, Len Rouse and special friends, Julie and Mike McCoshen and family.

He recently attended the Superior Firefighters picnic the day after his birthday. The Superior Fire Department lowered their flag in honor of this man.

There will be no funeral service, as were his wishes, but a graveside service will be held at a future date. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.