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Dvm Swanson Obituary
May 16, 2021
Kansas City, Kansas - J. J. Swanson, DVM, 90, passed away May 16, 2021. He was born in Kansas City, KS to John J. and Alice (née Cannavan) Swanson. He graduated from DeLaSalle High School with a basketball scholarship to study at Rockhurst College. He transferred after a year to Kansas State University and completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1954. While interning in Stanley, WI he met his future wife Elizabeth Jean "Betty" Halmstad. After graduation, he began two years of service as a 1st Lieutenant, VC-USAR in Food Safety and Inspection. He and Betty were married on November 6, 1954 in Stanley. Upon discharge, he returned to Stanley to work for M. T. Szatalowicz, DVM. He and his bride then came home to Kansas City, Kansas to start his veterinary practice, Welborn Animal Hospital, and to practice at the Kansas City Stockyards.
J.J. was devoted to his wife, his four children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his community, and his church. For two decades, he served on the Wyandotte County Extension Board as a member and as president. He was 4-H Fair Livestock Inspector, Leader of Nearman 4-H Club, County Livestock leader, and Veterinary Science leader. He also served as State of Kansas Extension president, Wyandotte County Fair Board as a member and as president. J.J. was a member of the Wyandotte County Board of Health for eight years and served as its president. At Christ the King Church, he was a board member, lector, and usher. He was a charter member and president of the Leavenworth Road Association, and a member of Wyandotte Lions Club, AVMA, and KVMA. He led the professional division of United Way Fund for five years. He was a member of the KCKCC Endowment Association and served as its president for two years. Beginning in 1997, he served two terms as Commissioner At Large for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County; he was also an Ambassador for the Kansas Speedway. He was 1979 Citizen of the Year and 1989 KCK Small Business Man of the Year.
J.J. was dedicated to his profession and served his patients and their families well. He enjoyed sports: coaching the Wildkittens, playing with the On the Roof team and participating in community sponsored walks/runs with Betty. He also had his pilot's license.
Dr. Swanson is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Swanson, his wife of 65 years and his son, John E. Swanson, DVM. He is survived by a son, James R. Swanson (Lisa), DVM, daughters, Julie (Rick) Toyne and Ginny (Mark) Stimac and daughter-in-law Coral Swanson, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 20 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 N. 53rd Street, Kansas City, KS. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 21 at Christ the King. Entombment to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to KCKCC Wellness Center, Upper Health Professions Building, 7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112, Please place on memo line "5K Run", or to the Historical Society of Stanley, 228 Helgerson St., Stanley, WI 54768. Condolences expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Dvm Swanson
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Shellie Cox
May 13, 2024
Dr. Swanson was one of the best and is still missed very much. The way he cared for our pets was above and beyond and so caring. Rest in peace.
Jerry and Caroline Pierce
June 9, 2021
To the family of Doc Swanson--We are so very sorry. He was a wonderful Vet and a wonderful person. He was so great with our animals. Kept one all night and didn't charge us anything. We worked along side him in LRA and when he had a plumbing problem at the hospital or at home Jerry tried to help him to pay Doc back for all the help he was to our pets. He was so respected in our Welborn area and it is a great loss! Sending prayers to the family. God Bless!
David Fastnacht
June 8, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dr.Miguel and Isa Parra
May 25, 2021
we just hear of Dr. Swanson's passing. Our deepest sympathies and prayers. May God bless him and the whole family .
Miguel, Isa Parra and family
Eddie Minor
May 25, 2021
Thank you Dr. Swanson for your commitment to Kansas City, Ks. and your profession. You were a shining example of true caring and love for people and animals. May you Rest in God's Eternal Love and peace. Thank you Swanson family for sharing such a wonderful person.
Larry Garver
May 20, 2021
I was Doc's first kennel boy. I watched John and Jim and Julie when they were little guys, then came Ginny. He was just as good a teacher as he was a Veterinarian. His training was the basis that carried me to become a successful President. I see many names that remind me of the good times.
Remember those times Jim and Julie.
Larry and Susan Garver
Donna Kovac Grosko
May 20, 2021
Dearest Swanson family, so sorry to hear of your loss. When we were kids we took our pets to Doc on 7th street and when he opened Welborn we went there. Such a nice man and gentle with the animals May he Rest In Peace
Rudy and Becky Pinter
May 20, 2021
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our long-time friend J.J Swanson.
We have been friends many years through our Church and Community Endeavors.
We have lost a good friend and community leader.
Our prayers and sympathy are for your family.
Nina Kovac Ziegler
May 20, 2021
Doc. Swanson you were so great with my fur babies. Sending prayers, hugs and condolences to your family. . Thank you for all your help with my fur babies.
Lani Lash
May 20, 2021
So sorry to hear this. Prayers to the family and all of Doc Swanson's friends. May the peace of God be with you always! Rest in peace
Tim Ginger
May 20, 2021
A great man he was. I grew up across the street from his vet clinic and he took care of all our pets. I helped load hay for him down by the river and out in piper and he was always there helping us with the loading and unloading. He will be missed for sure.
Gary Mountain
May 20, 2021
He took such good care of my family's pets over the years,and no matter how far we'd moved away we still brought them to Welborn. Sorry for your loss.
Niki Lysaught
May 20, 2021
Dr Swanson was the first vet I ever knew growing up. The only vet for our family pets. He truly loved all the pets he cared for, as well as his community. Such a wonderful man. A great loss for us all. Sympathy & prayers for his beloved family.
Lila Finch Knott
May 19, 2021
Doc (and Betty) were instrumental in my forming good habits in work and throughout my life. Julie, Jim, and Ginny I know you have extraordinary memories to help you through your loss. God bless Doc and your whole family.
Amy Bartlow
May 19, 2021
My family growing up took our pets to Welborn Pet Hospital. He was so caring and genuine. Huge loss but what an impact on the community.
Shellie Cox
May 19, 2021
Dr. Swanson was the most gentle and caring vet I ever had. My family used him while I was growing up and I also did until he retired. I continued to drive the distance because the vets in the office also were like that. He definitely left a great legacy behind. I will always remember him for his kindness towards my dogs. Sending prayers and condolences to the family. May he Rest In Peace.
Leeann Pflumm (Lakten)
May 19, 2021
I can´t tell you how sad this makes me. He was the most caring, generous DVM ever! He took such great care of ALL of our dogs for many many years. So sorry for your loss but there´s a special place in heaven for him
Dennis A.Schoneman
May 19, 2021
I have never net a kinder more gentile man in my life. His is a real loss to we old timers in Wyandotte County. He took great care of our animals and even some we would find along the roads hurt.
Donita Mellon
May 19, 2021
My condolences to the family. Doctor was patient & caring. I was comfortable taking my dog there & then to Swanson Day Care.
I smile picturing every animal he ever treated greeting him when he got to Heaven. Love & prayers to the family.
Mary and Steve Ponnath
May 19, 2021
Ginny and Mark , sorry for your great loss! Your dad was the Best!! We have also been to Swanson´s Day Care with our Sheba! Great family and great family business. Prayers for you all.
Caroline Reddick
May 19, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of this wonderful man. The world will be a sadder place now.
Patricia Martin Cooper
May 19, 2021
The best of the best. Dr. Swanson laughed so hard when I told him my furbabies name was Ceasar Romero. He added the last name, Martin.
Michelle (Supica) Lysaught
May 19, 2021
What a wonderful man and incredible legacy he has left behind. Our family trusted Doc Swanson with our furbabies for years. And then his son Jim. Now our babies go see Brad and Kyle at Swanson´s Dog Park and Daycare!
I can remember Doc Swanson coming into my Grandparents restaurant, Feagan´s Cafe. Amazing family.
My thoughts and prayers to the Swanson Family. Doc Swanson was an amazing man and member of our community. He will be missed
Larry and Sue Anne Breedlove
May 19, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jim and the entire Swanson family. He was a great community person and was highly respected as a veterinarian. Good bless you all.
Carol Byrd
May 19, 2021
The Sylvester Byrd family extends our sympathy and condolences to the Swanson family. Dr Swanson was so good with our 16 year old Black Lab Sheba.
Mary Lu Walden
May 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Such good memories! The entire Swanson family is in my prayers
MLW
Kiko Bisbee
May 19, 2021
An amazing man with an amazing life. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace. So sorry for your loss.
Jerry and Caroline Pierce
May 19, 2021
We are so sorry to hear this. Since we have moved away, we have often thought of Doc Swanson and what a super friend he was to us and so many people. Our prayers go out to the family.
Dann E. Haworth
May 19, 2021
Prayers and sacred smoke to an old friend from my childhood
Trish Nelson (Hersh)
May 19, 2021
My deepest sympathies go out to the Swanson Family. Dr. Swanson was an amazing, kind hearted man. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Patti Hubbard
May 19, 2021
I loved this man so much. When I was a little girl we lived close to his office. He tended to every injured animal, birds etc, I brought to him. What a kind and generous man.
Carmel Ogan Edwards
May 19, 2021
We took all our pets to Dr. Swanson when I was growing up. Such a nice man.He always took good care of our pets. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
Cindy and Carl Kaster
May 19, 2021
What a great man.Doc Swanson was our vet for many many years.And Such a friendly,kind person. We were so sorry to hear of his passing..Hes up there with his lovely wife Betty now and smiling that great smile. God Bless his family and friends.
Theresa Gonzalez
May 19, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. My family and I took all of our pets to dr. Swanson up until he retired. He was a wonderful Vet and a very nice man. He will be truly missed.
Georgia and Kerry Howlett
May 19, 2021
Jim and Lisa and family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. We know he´s been sick for a while and that he is at peace now. No you are in our thoughts and hearts and prayers
Love Georgia and Kerry Howlett
T. D.
May 19, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken-hearted.
Jim swanson
May 19, 2021
Thanks dad, You touched thousands of people that you never even knew . You will never be forgotten
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