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Manford Swanson Obituary

Manford Alfred "Swede" Swanson, 92

Manford Alfred "Swede" Swanson, 92, of Lafayette, formerly of Mulberry, passed away at 12:25 p.m. Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at Rosewalk Village. Born July 18, 1920, in Benton County, he was the son of the late Alfred Julius Swanson, an immigrant from Stockholm, Sweden, and the late Manda (Lawson) Swanson of Fountain County. His marriage was to Lorraine Louise Malaska on September 9, 1945, and she preceded him in death on September 3, 1999.

Manford was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. He was a Sergeant in the 543rd Air Service Group of the United States Army serving in Africa and Italy from 1942 to 1945. After WWII, he farmed for many years in Clinton County, retiring in 1982. He drove cars for the Indianapolis Car Exchange from 1989 until 2003. He was a member of American Legion Post 342 at Rossville, Mulberry Community Club, Eagles in Lafayette, and several Lafayette and Frankfort bowling and horseshoe pitching leagues, winning numerous city championships. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Lafayette, where he served on numerous boards and committees.

Surviving are his daughter, Molly Farris (husband Richard) of Cincinnati, OH; and his son, Ned Swanson (wife Sandra) of Lafayette. Also surviving are granddaughter, Sara Bradtmueller (husband Jobey) of Fort Wayne; grandson, Mark Farris (wife Lisa) of Madison, IN; granddaughter, Beth Beaumont (husband Andrew) of Oswego, IL; and grandson, Alan Swanson (wife Dara) of St. Louis, MO. Also surviving are 5 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters. Manford was preceded in death by 6 sisters and 1 brother.

A celebration of Manford's life will be at 10 a.m., Monday, November 12, 2012, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, with pastors Lore Blinn-Gibson and Larry Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2012, at the funeral home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 615 N. 22nd Street, Lafayette, IN 47904.

Published by Journal & Courier from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Fred & I are so sorry to have missed Manford's memorial service, as we are in Florida. What a special man we was, and how priviledged we were to know him and Lorraine. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all, and we know he has passed from this life right into the arms of his Savior. Fred & Andy Kuipers

Fred & Andrea Kuipers

November 13, 2012

My dad (Ray Brown) thought alot of your dad. I'm sorry for your loss but I'm sure they are catching up in heaven!

Janet Wilcox

November 11, 2012

I was the Flowergirl in Manford and Lorrains wedding. Many times went home with them after the Chase reunion. Always had fun on those visits. Molly and Ned and familys you have our sympathy.

Shiela Chase Killian

November 10, 2012

Manford is resting quietly with your Mom now..God Blessings to you and him..

Pam Wilson

November 10, 2012

I will always remember the day I first met Mr Swanson. When I was 12 yrs old I visited the family farm with Don Barnard to pick up some farm equipment. With tears in my eyes I told Mr Swanson that he looked like my great-grandfather Olla Stingley who'd died a few years previous. Smiling he looked down at me and said, "You can call me grandpa if you'd like." Thank you Mr Swanson for your kindness. Ned, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Aleeah Livengood

November 9, 2012

Molly and Ned: It was with great sadness that I saw that you Dad had passed away. I have fond memories of working at the farm. Prayers for the family. Ed Butz Tucson, Az

Ed Butz

November 9, 2012

manford my little ''swede'' i will miss you soo much i enjoyed taking care of you .. you were such a sweet man ... miss you my friend love ya

melanie cole

November 9, 2012

Grandpa Swanson was a wonderful person and loved by many. I have great memories of being at the farm with your family and a fun trip to Florida with Grandpa having control of the radio! He will be missed. He had a blessed life and was fortunate enough to have a very loving and caring family that looked after him. Love and prayers to Ned&Sandy, Molly&Rick and all his grand and great-grand children.

Cindy LaChey

November 9, 2012

Our deepest condolences are with the Swanson family. Grampa Swanson was a great man, father, (great)grandfather, citizen, and Christian. He'll be missed but his lessons will be passed on for generations. Love the Roy, SueAnne Braydon, Beckham

November 9, 2012

So sorry Ned best wishes
Randy Reed

November 9, 2012

God Bless, great family man. Always knew how to make everyone feel welcomed with his great phrases and stories. Raised a family that we are lucky to enjoy who share the same values. Prayers go out to the Swanson Family, "bye golly"

Michael Beaumont

November 8, 2012

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