Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
Emmetsburg, Iowa
In Loving Memory
Rodney Swanson
VISITATION
Saturday, September 30, 2017
9:30 - 11:00 A.M.
Grace United Methodist Church
Spencer, Iowa
SERVICE
Saturday, September 30, 2017
11:00 A.M.
Grace United Methodist Church
Spencer, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Paul Frederiksen
HONORARY BEARERS
All of Rodney's close friends.
CASKET BEARERS
(Rodney's Grandchildren)
Justin Wenck
Britni Wenck
Brady Sierck
Kady (Tom) Koenig
Laura (Chad) Gilman
Brian Gilman
Breena Berkland
Jada Berkland
Jena Berkland
INTERMENT
Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa
Rodney Wayne Swanson, son of John and Madella (Matthiesen) Swanson, was born October 21, 1926 near Ayrshire, Iowa. He received his education in Ayrshire, graduating from Silver Lake Consolidated High School in 1944. Rodney served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea for two years. After being honorably discharged in 1948, he returned to farm south of Ayrshire.
On February 26, 1949 Rodney was united in marriage to Myrt Friedley at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union four children were born.
Rodney and Myrt made their home on Twin Oaks Farm, southwest of Ayrshire, where they farmed for many years. Rodney had a cow calf herd during his farming career.
Rodney was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ayrshire where he was active on several boards and committees. He was elected to serve on the R.E.C. board in 1979 and was secretary from 1982 until 1986. He was later appointed director of the board. Rodney also served on the Ayrshire Elevator board and was an active member of the American Legion Post #173 in Ayrshire.
Rodney retired in 1989 from farming and he and Myrt moved to Spirit Lake where they made their home. During this time they joined Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer.
Rodney and Myrt enjoyed traveling, seeing nearly every state in the United States. They often went on the R.E.C. trips and wintered in Florida, Texas, California and Arizona. Rodney was an avid reader and was always aware of current events. While traveling, he was the "navigator", reading the maps and giving directions while Myrt did the driving. A great highlight for Rodney was spending time with his family. After moving to Spirit Lake, he and Myrt enjoyed going out for breakfast with their friends.
Rodney passed away Monday, September 25, 2017 at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jana Sierck in 1991; and a brother, Dale Swanson in 2016.
He is survived by his wife, Myrt of Spirit Lake, Iowa; his children, Rhonda (Daniel) Wenck of Orange County, California, Jill (Jim) Weerheim of Milford, Iowa and Kyla (Joel) Berkland of Woodstock, Illinois; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren, Brooklynn, Alivia, Emersyn, Jackson and Camden; a brother, John E. Swanson of Ruthven, Iowa; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Nick Sasuta, has many great memories of Rodney going back to meeting him in the Army. He remained friends, watched both families grow and enjoyed the Swanson farm.
Rodney and Nick Sasuta are now in heaven together laughing about the great times they enjoyed, family and love.
Will miss a great friend, Rodney.
Wife, Mary Sasuta
Formerly of Brookfield, Il
Mary Sasuta
September 24, 2019 | Lombard, IL | Friend
Dear Swanson family and Myrt
I am daughter of Nick and Mary Sasuta writing this message for them. They are saddened to here of Rodney passing. Nick met Rodney in Army and remained friends since then. I have memories of fun times spending time at their farm in the summer. My parents are aging but certainly remember and cannot replace a good friend like Rodney. Myrt please call them at 630-576-4829. 555 Foxworth Blvd #2029 Lombard, Il
Nick and Mary Sasuta
October 12, 2017 | Lombard (formerly Brookfield, IL
to all who mourn the passing of Rodney Swanson, I You have our sympathies as you bid a loving farewell to the man who means so much to you. I grew up in Logan township near Helen and Dale. Our families have been good friends and neighbors l for years. May you find comfort in happy memories and in knowing you will meet again in heaven. I imagine Dale and Rodney are having joyful reunion with parents. God's peace, LaVonne Salton and Gary Anderson
LaVonne Salton Gary Anderson
October 02, 2017 | Des Moines, Iowa
Our deepest sympathy to all; Rodney was a great guy who is gone but never will be forgotten. His humor created many fun memories for those of us lucky to have our lives graced with his. So very sorry we have to miss the services but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick and Anne Marie Nelson
September 29, 2017 | Emmetsburg, IA
My very deepest sympathy. I have so many fond memories of the Swansons and the farm!
Karl Kundel
September 29, 2017 | Coralville, IA
Dear Swanson Family, You all have my deepest sympathy and are in my prayers. My family (Gram Emma Swanson Kundel, Dad Jack and Mom Louise) always had such fun times together and just loved the Swanson family! I have nothing but fond memories of those days. God bless you and keep you in the palms of his hands til we meet again.
John
John Kundel
September 29, 2017 | Florissant, MO
My deepest sympathy to the Swanson family.
Sue Solomon Kent
Sue Kent
September 27, 2017 | Anderson, SC
Sending prayers for you all at this time. I know he will dearly be missed by his loved ones & friends. May God give you strength at this difficult time!
Michele Koenig
September 27, 2017 | St. Michael, MN