Larry Allyn Swanson

Larry Allyn Swanson, 77, of Manchester, Iowa passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on December 19, 1947, in Manchester, Iowa to Harold and Dorothy (Kuehl) Swanson. Larry was raised and educated in the Manchester area. He was baptized on April 18, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran in Elkport. He was confirmed at First Lutheran in Manchester on April 17, 1963. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1966. Larry continued his education at Iowa State University, receiving an ag business degree in 1970. Larry met his future wife, Sandy Rigter, at a dance at the ISU Memorial Union where they were matched by a computer after completing questionnaires.
On June 5, 1971, Larry was united in marriage to Sandy Rigter in Williams, Iowa at the Methodist Church. They made their home on a farm north of Manchester where they lived until they moved to town in December 2010. Two children, Amy and Jordan, were born to this union.
Larry was a farmer, dedicated to conservation of the soil, and committed to learning new farm techniques and technology. He retired from farming in 2020. He was a supporter of Sandy's various projects and activities of his children. He enjoyed kayaking, coffee groups, Friday Night Supper group and spending winters in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Giving back to the community was important to Larry. Over thirty years on the Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Board brought broader knowledge and lasting friendships. Larry was on the first committee of the Foundation for Delaware County, a board member on the Farm Bureau Board and Farm Service Agency Board, member of the Extension Youth committee, council member and president at First Lutheran church, and a Mason and Shriner. He helped with the Chainsaw Mission team, ushering, and projects with the Clothes Closet at Manchester Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sandy Swanson of Manchester; his children, Amy Swanson of Manchester and Jordan Swanson of Madison, Wisconsin; his sister, Linda (Dave) Mickens of Manchester; his aunt Una Swanson of Manchester; his sister-in-law, Sally Greenfield of Kamrar, Iowa; brother-in-law, Terry Doyle of Story City, Iowa; sister-in-law, Sandy Rigter of Williams, Iowa. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy Swanson; parents-in-law Raymond and Orpha Rigter; grandparents, John and Clara (Horstman) Kuehl and Axel and Ella (Mattson) Swanson; sister-in-law, Susan Doyle; and brothers-in-law, Randy Greenfield and John Rigter; and numerous aunts and uncles.
The family wishes to thank the many people who have stood in the gap during this challenging time. Thanks also to Brehme Drug, Edgewood Convalescent Home, and Care initiatives Hospice.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to Second Helpings, The Delaware County Food Pantry or any charity that helps feed people.
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