Harold F. "Jake" Swanson

1944 - 2026

Harold 'Jake' F. Swanson
Born: December 12, 1944
Died: March 15, 2026
Harold "Jake" F. Swanson, age 81, passed away on March 15, 2026 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center of Rockford, surrounded by family, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Jake was born in Elgin, Illinois, the son of Harold and Vera Swanson on December 12, 1944. He attended school in Algonquin until his family moved to Huntley when he was in fourth grade. He graduated from Huntley High School in 1962, where he was active in FFA and various sports.
On July 10, 1971, he married the love of his life, Dorthy (Gray) Swanson. They enjoyed 54 years together and had 4 wonderful children.
He held many jobs over the years, from truck driver, farmer, bartender, and maintenance technician. Jake retired from Revcor in Carpentersville in 2008, working there for 30 years, being the maintenance supervisor for many.
In his free time, Jake enjoyed camping, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. Happy Hour on the patio was his favorite time of day.
He is survived by his wife, Dorthy (Gray); children, Jackie Wiegel, Jacob Swanson (Brandy), Jennifer Bruso (Jeff), and Jessica Markgraf (Michael); 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; five brothers; and various aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Huntley, Illinois, at the American Legion Post 673.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to parkinson.org.
Cremation services provided by DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or leave online condolences at www.defiorefuneral.com.