Terry Swanson

ROCKFORD - Popular Southern California sales rep and former retailer Terry Swanson passed away in late January, having lost his battle with a degenerative brain disease. He was 68 and formerly of Mason City. He died Jan. 26, 2011, in San Clemente, Calif., and resided in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Graveside memorial services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 3 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Officiating will be the Rev. Alan Schulz of Zion Lutheran Church, Rockford. Condolences and stories may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com. Donations in Terry's memory are being accepted by St. Joseph's Health System Hospice, 1845 West Orangewood Ave., Suite. 100A, Orange, Calif. 92868
Terry Lyle was born on Nov. 19, 1942, in Mason City, the son of Ray and Arlene "Rodrian" Swanson. He grew up on the family farm near Burchinal and graduated with the class of 1961 from Sheffield High School. He honorably served his country in the Air National Guard and Reserve of the U.S. Air Force, being discharged April 18, 1968. On May 3, 1986, at the United Methodist Church in Council Bluffs he was united in marriage to Shirley Rieger.
Terry had a passion for the sea and fishing, especially for marlin, and was a longtime member of the Dana Angling Club, Dana Point, Calif. He was a die-hard fan of the Anaheim Ducks hockey team and hardly missed a game. He loved traveling to visit friends in the Caribbean Virgin Islands and fishing in Mexico.
Terry began his music career in the 1960s, working at Potter Music in Mason City. He relocated to Southern California in 1970 and operated Bo-Jangles Music Village in Laguna Beach, Calif., until its closing in 1986. At that time, he formed Spectrum Sales where he sold various musical instruments and sound recording equipment, receiving numerous awards for top instrument sales in the industry.
Terry will be remembered for his graciousness, compassion, energy, wonderful smile and hearty laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 25 years; mother, Arlene Swanson, Nora Springs; brothers, Ronnie and his wife Sue and Lee Swanson; father-in-law, Donald Rieger; sister-in-law, Susan Will; brothers-in-law, Bob and Don Rieger Jr. and Bill Will; along with nieces and nephews Debbie, Sherri, Amy, Angie and Steve.
His father, Ray, preceded Terry in death.
Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City, Iowa 50401-3904 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com; facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome.