Charles Swanson, age 74, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, in Palliative Care Unit of MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota.
Charles G. Swanson was born April, 3, 1933, the son of Bennie and Violet (Cleem) Swanson in St. Vincent, Minnesota. Charlie attended Hallock High School where he graduated with the class of 1951. After graduating from high school, Charlie served his country during the Korean Conflict. On June 2nd, 1956, Charlie was united in marriage to Marilyn Bratlie at the Mariah Lutheran Church in Kennedy, Minnesota. While living there, Charlie was employed by the McCabe elevator. In 1962, he moved his family to Twin Valley where he was the manager of the elevator until retiring in 1994. Charlie was a former member of the Kennedy Lions Club. He was currently a member of the Twin Valley American Legion and VFW. Charlie was also a member of the Twin Valley Fire Department for 20 years as well as being a member of the Norman County Association for Retarded Citizens. Since his retirement, Charlie had been employed part-time for the City of Twin Valley until recently when his health began to decline.
Charlie will be remembered for his sense of humor. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and truly enjoyed the outdoors. Charlie loved spending time with his family and always treasured the time he spent with the light of his life, his granddaughter, McKaylee.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Polly, of Twin Valley, MN; two sons, Kevin (Brenda) of Waubun, MN and Brian of Ada, MN; a granddaughter, McKaylee; two nieces, one nephew and a brother-in-law, Curtis (Diane) Bratlie. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Kenneth Bratlie.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2007, at 10:30 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation will be Thursday, May 10th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley and one hour before services at the church on Friday. Officiating will be Pastor Charles Bade with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Monica Winter as vocalist. Pallbearers will be Danny Carriere, Dennis Hoekstra, Harold Allrich, Bruce Garberg, George Schulte, Mike Eklund and Dave Okeson. Military Honors will be provided by the Twin Valley Nesseth-Lien Post #431 of the American Legion.
Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley, Minnesota.