John A. Swanson

John A. Swanson, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died at home on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 1844 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Steve Knudson. Military Honors by: American Legion Post #727. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and also one hour prior to the service. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Evelyn; son, Steve (Barbara) Swanson of Marion; daughters, Susan (Russ Bramer) Swanson of Cedar Rapids and Julie (Dean) Miller, of Marion; six grandchildren, Zak, Zane, Shawn, Krystal, Nick, and Mandy; three great grandchildren, Ike, Abe, and Ted; and a step-sister, Jean Ann Swanson of Corpus Christi, Texas. John was born June 16, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Carl and Lillian (Kasper) Swanson. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1945 and attended the University of Iowa. John proudly served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He married Evelyn Medinger on September 6, 1952. John began his career at Wilson's Meat Packing then worked for Durkee Food Service for 26 years, retiring as a sales manager. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Mt. Herman Lodge #263, and the former Hanford American Legion Post #5. John enjoyed woodworking, fishing, cooking for his family, and organizing Franklin class reunions. Above all family was most important to him and he will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation, 2800 University Avenue, Suite 141, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.