Larry L. Swanson

1932 - 2025

Larry L. Swanson

November 15, 1932 - July 19, 2025

Larry L. Swanson, age 92 of Colon, died Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Wahoo. He was born November 15, 1932 in Colon to Lloyd and Ethel (Carlson) Swanson. He attended District 55 Grade School near Colon and graduated from Wahoo High School in 1950. He was confirmed in the Marrietta Presbyterian Church in Colon, where he had attended Sunday School from a young age.

In February 1953, Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving two years in Japan as an Intercept Radio Operator with the USAF Security Services. He was honorably discharged in February 1957.

Shortly after returning home, Larry began farming and met Jean Wollen, who would become his wife. They were married on June 21, 1958, at the First Congregational Church in Arlington, Nebraska. The couple became members of First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo in 1959, where Larry served faithfully-six years as a Deacon and three as an Elder.

Larry gave generously of his time and energy to his community. He served six years on the Saunders County Agricultural Society Board of Directors, including as Chairman of the Building Committee during the construction of the Gayle Hatton Pavilion. He led the Happy Horse and Halter 4-H Club for a decade and served as President of the Wahoo Saddle Club for thirteen years. In 1955, while still stationed in Japan, he was named an honorary member of the inaugural Wahoo PRCA Rodeo.

Larry's passion for rodeo remained a constant throughout his life. Alongside Jean, he traveled the country competing in National Senior Pro Rodeos, participating in Tie Down Roping and Ribbon Roping events from Texas to Montana and Oregon. He also introduced his children to the rodeo world through 4-H horse shows and Little Britches Rodeos.

In recognition of their commitment to the community and rodeo, Larry and Jean were honored as Grand Marshals of the Saunders County Fair Parade in both 1994 and 2004-the latter coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Wahoo PRCA Rodeo. They were Gold Card Committee Members of the PRCA Rodeo Association and were inducted as Gold Card Members of the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association Hall of Fame. Larry was also the recipient of the True Grit Timed Event Award in both 2004 and again in 2023, at the age of 91.

Larry led a full and meaningful life, grounded in faith, family, patriotism, and service to others. Though a farmer by trade, he was a cowboy at heart.

He is survived by his children: Diane (Bill) Fromm of LaBelle, Florida; Lisa (Kelly) Egle of Paxton, Nebraska; Russell (Amy) Swanson of Lathrop, Missouri; and Roger (Anne) Swanson of Colon, Nebraska. He is also survived by grandchildren Kate (Carmine) DiMartino, Tim Fromm, Cody (Andrea) Egle, Lane (Lynn) Egle, Sara Swanson, Jessica Swanson, and Caden Swanson; and great-grandchildren Zoe, Quinn, and Rory Egle; Nash and Maysa Egle; and Michael and Antonio DiMartino.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean Swanson, his sister Roma Engdahl, and great-grandson William Christopher Fromm.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25 at First Presbyterian Church, followed by interment at Sunrise Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saunders County Medical Center Foundation or to First Presbyterian Church.