John Frederick Swanson

John Frederick Swanson, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Highline Place Memory Center in Littleton CO. He was born September 29, 1944 in Robinsdale, Minnesota to Frederick and Geraldine (Rodd) Swanson. He was the youngest of 7 from a blended family. He was a 1962 graduate of Edina High School in Minneapolis.

John loved the sport of the season. He was always available for a “pick up” hockey game in his home state of 10,000 lakes. He coached middle school teams while living in Omaha. He played on recreational teams into adulthood (even playing on a recreational team with his son for an employer). Baseball was his second love which he passed on to his son and grandson. John could be found on weekends playing tennis on the neighborhood courts with his wife. His three children followed his love for tennis by being on their high school tennis teams. Many spectator hours were spent on soccer and volleyball.

He married Barbara Doan on May 2, 1970 in Omaha, NE where they met. He and “Barb” are the proud parents of two daughters and a son, Melissa Malota (Kevin), Beth Truax ( Garrett), and John David Swanson (Tiffany). He was blessed to have 4 granddaughters—Makenna Swanson, Siara and Riley Malota, and Ali Truax; and 2 grandsons—Willow Truax and John Blake Swanson.

John worked in sales after earning an Associate’s degree at the University of Minnesota. Having a great sense of humor, John loved those times when he could make people laugh. This served him well with his many clients. This never changed throughout his life.

Golf was John’s true passion. He played with his brothers growing up, his wife after retirement, and any family member he could convince to play or any stranger on the course. His dream was to play “The Old Course” in Scotland. That dream came true in 2008. This trip spurred on a love for travel. In the next 10 years he and Barb were blessed to see many countries in Europe, Russia, China, Belize, and the home of his ancestors, Sweden and other countries in Scandinavia.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Geraldine, and stepfather, Walt Sirene as well as brothers, Bob, Dick, Joe and sisters, Jackie and Carol. He is survived by his wife, children, in-laws, grandchildren, step-brother Walt Jr. and nieces and nephews.

In John’s last months, I heard over and over again from care givers and other facility residents what a kind man he was. Please follow his example and be kind to your neighbors as well as strangers. Smiles can mean so much to someone having a bad day.

Please consider a memorial in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.