SWANSON, WALTER J.

Walter J. “Howdy” Swanson, 87, of Roscoe, died Monday, June 11, 2007, in his home. Born Sept. 27, 1919, in Kenilworth, IL, the son of John and Amanda Swanson. He graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka. Served in the U.S. Marines as a sergeant in the Marine Raiders, 1st Division, 4th Battalion during World War II. Walter married Vera Thess, Dec. 4, 1948, in Cook County, IL. He was a supervisor for Illinois Bell Telephone and then AT&T for 38 years, retiring in 1979. He enjoyed an active retirement in Mountain Home, AR. He was a member of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, where he was active with the Men’s Breakfast and OWLS group. Also a member of the Marine Raiders, Telephone Co. Pioneers, North Arkansas Woodcarvers, and VFW. He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, and spending time with his family. Survived by his wife, Vera Rose Swanson of Rockford; children, Deborah (Jerry) Swanson Berkowitz of Glenview, Donald J. (Terry) Swanson of Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, Patricia A. (Jeff) Steinback of Roscoe, and Lori (Mark) Swanson Iuppenlatz of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Judson (Joy), Kimberly (Jeremy), Abbie, Michael and Jonathan; great-granddaughter, Ava; and many relatives and friends. Predeceased by his parents, a brother, and seven sisters. Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2007, at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 7404 Elevator Rd., Roscoe, with Rev. Dr. John Heins officiating, with memorial visitation from 2 to 2:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either, VNA Hospice, 4223 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108 or Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 307 5th Ave., Quantico, VA 22134 in Walter’s memory. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., 1001 Second Ave.