Gene Keith Swanson (89) of Arkansaw, WI died Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the Pepin Health & Rehab in Pepin, WI. He was born March 25, 1925 in Pierce County, WI; son of Fred & Lois (Martin) Swanson. He attended school in Plum City, following school he joined the Army and served in Germany during WWII. After his return from service, Gene went to baking school in Milwaukee. On June 30, 1948 Gene married Dorothy Raethke at the Methodist Parsonage in Pepin. They lived in Durand and later moved to Arkansaw. Gene worked at the Durand Bakery for 21 years and then at Bauer Built for 21 years. He also drove school bus for the Arkansaw School District for many years. Gene was a member of the United Methodist Church in Arkansaw and a very active member of the Plum City American Legion. He loved baking, helping out at church, telling war stories and visiting with people. He loved spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter, Penny (Steve) Jahnke of Pepin; daughter-in-law, Deb Swanson of Menomonie; six grandchildren, Angie (Scott) Passe, Rhonda Paul, Jennifer Bowe, Kelly (Nickolas) Floyd, Gene (Holly) Swanson, James Swanson; ten great-grandchildren, Austin & Kylie Passe, Shaelee Paul, Parker Blado, Carter & Emmy Swanson, Devin, Michelle, Harlynn & Gabriel Floyd; three step-grandchildren, Tom, Scott, Nicole; three step-great-grandchildren, Nova, Glacier, Harvest; and many nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; son, Keith Swanson; parents, Fred & Lois (Martin) Swanson; brother, Van Swanson; grandson-in-law, Aaron Paul.
Memorial services will be 11:00 am Monday, December 22, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Arkansaw with Pastor Lisa Weaver officiating. Burial with Military rites will be at the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand is assisting the family. To express condolences on-line visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com
Visitation
DEC 22. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)
Arkansaw United Methodist Church
N6313 N. Prescott St.
Arkansaw, WI 54721
Service
DEC 22. 11:00 AM (CST)
Arkansaw United Methodist Church
N6313 N. Prescott St.
Arkansaw, WI 54721
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