Gordon D. Swanson

Gordon Dennis Swanson died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Sunday July, 21, 2013.
Gordon was born on August 9, 1941 at St Ansgar Hospital, Moorhead, MN to SigfredSig and EllaOrudSwanson. He was baptized in Salem Lutheran Church, Wolverton, MN and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church rural Glyndon. He attended 12 years of school at the Moorhead State Teachers College School and graduated in 1960. He then attended and graduated from NDSCS in 1962 with a degree in accounting.
He married Claryce Nater and they had three children. In 1989, Gordy married Loretta Hall Tripp Swanson. Together they finished raising her three teenage daughters.
Gordy worked for several farming related businesses located in Ashby, Warren, and Moorhead, MN. He later went to work for Rick Electric as office manager/accountant and retired from there almost 41 years later. Gordy had one of his dreams realized when he received an all expense paid trip to Australia/New Zealand for his retirement gift from Rick Electric. He and Loretta spent 15 wonderful days and made memories to last a lifetime. Gordy loved accounting and continued some part time work from home for the station his son Denny manages and was also presently doing the accounting for the LCMS-North Dakota District.
Gordy and two of his buddies, Ed Bean and Rev Carlyle Roth started ECG Fishing Trips and had just returned from a wonderful fly in fishing trip to Canada. Gordy was happiest when he was fishing and spending time with family. This past winter they spent a month in Florida, spending time with daughter Heather and family. Gordon was a very active Grandpa and could be found at all of their sports and school activites, he never missed them. He was very proud of all his children and grandchildren. He was very involved with church activities and was always available to lend a helping hand or ear to anyone who needed it. His Monday morning Bible Study was a great way to start the week; he built many lasting relationships through participation and study of God’s word.
Gordon is survived by his wife Loretta, his mother: Ella Swanson, Moorhead, children: Dennis Patty Moorhead, MN, LeAnn Jaksha, Duluth, Joel, East Bethel, MN. Stepdaughters: Shanna WayneMcArthur, Moorhead, Heather Burns fiance’, Todd Persinger, Bradenton, Fl, NicholeJimAnderson, Sioux Falls, SD, siblings: LennyVonnie Fargo, SharonBillLipp, Audubon, MN. Father in law: Eugene Hall, Jamestown, ND. Grandchildren: Paul Kelsey, Ray, Wyatt Swanson, Jordan and Jessica Jaksha, Justin CallieSchiermeister, Paige and Lydia McArthur, PJ, Kallie and Emilie Burns. Great Grandchildren: Sophie and Haylee Swanson, and Khloe Schiermeister. In-laws:Harlan Diane Hall, Fargo, Allen Hall, Naco, AZ, DonnaLeroyMasseth, Tucson, AZ, Robert Hall, Orange Park, Fl and Geneal Rev Carlyle Roth, Minot, ND. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Sigfred Sig and grandson, Brett McArthur.
The celebration of his life will be Thursday at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. A Prayer Service will be Wednesday at 7 PM with a viewing from 5-7 at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead and will continue for one hour before the service at the church the following day. Interment will be at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in rural Glyndon, MN.