FREEPORT, IL (May 29, 2012) – An ecumenical memorial worship service for Evangelical Covenant Church Chaplain Donald Swanson, 55, will be conducted at 11 a.m. June 1 at Bethany United Church of Christ, 2341 West Stephenson Street in Freeport.
He died Friday, May 25, at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Swanson was born February 26, 1957, in Winona, Minnesota, to LaVern and Delores (Emery) Swanson. He married Laurie Hostvet on June 17, 1978. He was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Swanson served as pastor at LaBolt Covenant Church in LaBolt, North Dakota, and in several capacities as a chaplain. He also was the director of marketing, planning, and pastoral care for Freeport Health Network.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Karissa Swanson of Denver, Colorado, and Kendra Swanson of Freeport, Illinois; two brothers, Dale (Barbara) Swanson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Elden (Pari) Swanson of Hutchison, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.
A condolence page has been established on the Walker Mortuary website.
Dear Laurie,
I was looking at some CPE notes from our class of a summer long ago in SD. I decided to look up Don on the internet and was dismayed to see this information. Don and my relationship with Fr. Larry was wonderful and we truly enjoyed our times together. Don’s insights and care were priceless to me and I have thought of him through the years. I am presently working at a part-time (in pay only) position in Central FL. I will be using some of our CPE material in a presentation I will be making this Sat. am. Again, so sorry to read this news and will have prayers for Don in church this Sunday, though rather delayed and I’m sorry about that.
Peace and joy to you and your family. Don was truly a great and faithful servant and I’m sure you miss him terribly.
Sincerely, In Christ
Ted Koelln
I am so shocked to see this very sad news. I have always loved checking up with Don at Covenant events. He is the sort of person you always wanted to see and visit with. He was never lacking in a kind word or encouragement. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family. Peace be to his memory! Linda