Dean Eugene Swanson

Dean Eugene Swanson, 84, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at his Isle of Palms home, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on November 2, 1940, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Herman and Dorothy (Apgar) Swanson, Dean’s early years in Quarry, Iowa, shaped his enduring Midwestern values. Dean graduated from LDF (Le Grand, Dunbar, Ferguson) High School in 1958 and went on to earn a degree in broadcast journalism from Iowa State University, where he met his cherished wife of 62 years, Margery Peterson.

Dean joined the military after graduation and was stationed in South Korea and later in Okinawa where he began his career as a journalist in US Armed Forces Radio and TV. Margery joined him overseas, igniting a lifelong passion for travel and adventure that would take them to every corner of the globe.

Upon completing his military service, Dean and Marge settled in Schenectady, NY, where he joined NBC, and where their first son, Steve, was born in 1967. In 1968, Dean's career took them to Denver, where he anchored the news and welcomed their son, Shane, in 1971. A decade in Oklahoma followed, before Dean found his true home in Charleston, South Carolina. For decades, Dean graced the airwaves of WCIV as the evening anchor, becoming a familiar and trusted voice in the community. He later transitioned to the morning anchor position, retiring in 1996.

He and Margery created a life filled with shared experiences, exploring the world’s wonders together, making it to all seven continents. He especially loved cooking alongside Margery, recreating flavors from their travels, and sharing meals with family and friends. His love of music, and his willingness to sing along (regardless of lyrical accuracy) brought laughter and warmth to every gathering. His voice will remain a comforting presence in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Dean leaves behind his beloved wife, Margery, and their children: Steven (Emily) and Shane (Tammy) Swanson, all of Mount Pleasant, grandchildren Natalie (Ben) and Alexander, of Raleigh, NC, Zachary and Adam of Mount Pleasant, SC and great-grandson Oliver of Raleigh, NC; and sisters, Joann (Rejean) Chartier of Fallbrook, California, Donna Oetker of Ankeny, Iowa, Joyce (Roni) Burns of Bolivar, Missouri, and sister-in-law Janet Swanson of Hudson, Iowa. He is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Don Swanson.

The family will be holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (https://www.pcf.org/).

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. A message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.