Kenneth Swanson, age 83, of Fargo, ND, died Thursday, June 23rd at Sanford on Broadway in Fargo surrounded by his loving family.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 29th at Bethel Church (2702 30th Ave South) in Fargo.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 28th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Church.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Church.  Interment will in Memory Gardens Cemetery near Valley City.  An online guestbook and livestream of Ken’s services will be available at www.lerudmathias.com. 

Ken was born to Victor and Grace (Hanson) Swanson on May 21, 1939, in Tower City, ND., growing up on a small farm North of Tower City, where he attended school and was active in sports.  He attended business college and then returned home to take over the family farm.

On December 17, 1960, he married Darlene Persons in Valley City, ND. and they made their home on the farm until moving to Valley City, in 1970, where they raised their five children.  In 1980, Ken began his career as an insurance advisor, working many years with Lutheran Brotherhood and eventually owning his own agency, Swanson Insurance Services, until his retirement in early 2008.  On June 25, 2008 Ken married Sarah DeHayes of Fort Wayne, IN. where they lived.  He loved his time in Fort Wayne, especially his time at Orchard Ridge Country Club, where he made an infamous hole-in-one on # 17, which of course was one of his proudest moments!  He was blessed with many friendships that were very special to him during his time in Fort Wayne.  At age 75, Ken received a lung transplant at the Cleveland Clinic.  Without fear, he took everything in stride, defying all odds and was blessed with an additional eight years of quality life filled with special times with family and friends.  Ken was always so gracious to the many that provided for his care along the way and thankful for each one of them.  Ken absolutely loved his time spent with family, especially attending all the sporting events and special activities of his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was so proud of each of them and would light up every time he was around them.   He was active, present, and had a great sense of humor which he showed off with his many Ole and Lena jokes, as he laughed at each one.  He was very active in his church, loved to golf, and enjoyed his many jobs and activities at One Oak Place, where he called home for the past six years.  To all the special friends at One Oak, you’re awesome, and our Dad truly cherished you.   Ken’s faith in Jesus Christ was his foundation and very important to him.  After many years of being a “fan of Christ”, he rededicated his life in 2008 to be “a follower of Christ”.  He praised the Lord for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and prayed that all his family would accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. 

Ken is survived by his children: Jeff Swanson, Fargo, ND, Lori (Shane) Soltis, Minot, ND, Steven (Jill) Swanson, Fargo, ND and Lisa Brown, Fargo, ND; a daughter in law, Roxanne (Bill) Jahn, Sun City West, AZ; Grandchildren: Brandon Swanson, Briana Swanson, Haylee (Seth) Houkom, Hayden Swanson, Taylor (Shelby) Soltis, Nicolas Soltis, Tyler (Sara) Swanson, Paige Swanson, Abigail Brown, Gabriel Brown, Kennedy Brown, Paxton Zimmerman; Great Grandchildren:  Adrian Swanson, Shea, Brooks and Layne Swanson; Siblings:  Carol (George) Grindberg, Fargo, ND, Victoria (Patrick) Haddican, Moses Lake, WA, Gordon Swanson, West Fargo, ND; numerous nieces and nephews; a Special friend, Betty Schatzke.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donald, and his son, Craig Swanson, who was his best friend and greatest heartbreak that he carried every day of his life.

Memorials are preferred addressed to Fargo Out of Darkness Walk or Bethel Church.

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