Donald Leon Swanson crossed the threshold to Heaven on May 14th, 2015 at the age of 91. Don was born on September 17th, 1923 to Warner and Vera Swanson, pioneers of the Youngstown Colony of Swedish immigrants in Turlock, settling on Swanson Road in Delhi.
Don lived 90 of his 91 years on Swanson Road with his cousins who became fast friends and weekly coffee buddies later in life. Don grew up working with his Dad and brothers Elwood and Richard on the farm where he fostered a love for farming and agriculture. He was recruited from Modesto Junior College during WWII by Pan American as a machinist on Treasure Island where he repaired military airplanes.
Post war he returned to his roots on Swanson Road, farming alfalfa, beans and poultry. One afternoon on a routine visit to Poultry Producers, he was smitten by a lovely young secretary named Margaret Nelson. They were married at Beulah Covenant Church on September 13th, 1947 and soon started their family of 4 children where hard work, faith and integrity became interwoven into daily life. Don was known for his legendary smile, strong handshake, and faithful service to the Covenant Church for many years.
In 1967 Don founded and built Swanson Hulling, working with sons Jay and Steve until retiring in 1991. After which, he continued to model for his children and grandchildren the value of working with your hands, believing the best about people, and trusting God for all of life’s needs.
Don was preceded in death by his son Steve (Ginny) Swanson of Turlock, and brother Elwood (Fern) Swanson of Turlock. He leaves behind his precious wife of 67 years, Margaret Swanson, his brother Richard (Erlene) Swanson of Delhi, children Jay (Carol) Swanson of Turlock, Jerry (Patti) Swanson of San Diego, Kathy (Gwynn) Aldrich of Livermore, and grandchildren Andrew (Anna) Swanson of Nashville, Paul (Betsy) Swanson of Turlock, Scott (Jana) Swanson of Hilmar, Jamie (Cara) Swanson of Turlock, Christie (Adam) Dalton of Denair, Nelson (Amanda) Aldrich of Turlock, Emily (Paul) Bennetch of Palo Alto, and Andrew (Katie) Aldrich of Seattle, as well as 17 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday May 20th at Turlock Memorial Park between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Graveside services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning at Turlock Memorial Park , and Memorial Service at 11:00 o’clock at Turlock Covenant Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Side Ministries, 950 Columbia Street, PO Box 354, Turlock CA 95380
