Russell P. Swanson

Russell (Russ) Peter Swanson, Sr, 76, of Walthill, NE passed away Saturday, September 7, 2013 at his residence. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill, NE; Pastor Brion Tolzman will be officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, September 9, 2013 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill, NE. Burial will be held at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family. Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home of Pender is in charge of arrangements. Russ was born April 25, 1937 in rural Walthill to Martin and Edith (Gaberial) Swanson. He attended Oakleaf Elementary and Walthill High School. He married Joyce Milligan November 22, 1961 in Pender, NE. He served in the United States Marine Corps serving shortly in Korea. Russ was a member of the Eagles Club in South Sioux City, American Legion of Walthill, and Nebraska Legion. He was also a member of the National Tractor Pullers Association, the NRA, and the Appaloosa Horse Club. Russ worked part time at Campbell Manufacturing of Walthill. He farmed all of his adult life. Russ was a champion boxer in the USMC and enjoyed riding broncs in his younger years. Russ enjoyed constructing things out of metal and welding. He valued tending the cows, going to farm sales, horses, raising appaloosas and trail riding. He was an avid tractor puller and fishermen. Joyce and Russ loved to dance to country music. His greatest love was his family. Russ is survived by his wife; Joyce, three daughters, Margaret (Larry) Maslonka, Lyons, NE, Rebecca (Tom) Koob, Dakota Dunes, SD, Jennifer (Wally) Juhlin, Walthill, NE; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, brothers, Lyle and Jim; sister Alyce. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Martin (Bud), Ray, and Milan; sister, Celestia (Babe); and two sons, Pete and Jeff.