Richard E. "Rich" Swanson

Richard Edward Swanson passed away from this life on September 16, 2016 at his home with his beloved dog, Mitzy, by his side. Richard was born in Carter Lake, IA to Betty (Novak) Swanson and Edward Andrew Swanson. At age 3, Rich’s father passed away from pneumonia. He, along with his sister, Shirley, moved to Omaha, NE after their mother married Byron “Bud” Parker. Rich attended and graduated from Tech High School in Omaha, NE. He later worked with his stepfather in the family business – Maple Hill Farm Service – J.I. Case Implements located on 71st and Maple Street – Benson. Rich met Margaret Ann Dillin, of Millard, NE, the love of his life, and they soon became engaged. After spending many evenings dancing in Peony Park under the stars, Richard and Margaret married on January 24, 1953. Born into this marriage were to children – Valerie Diane and Thomas Edward. The family lived in Omaha until Rich started his implement career with J.I. Case Company as Service/District manager and later as District Manager for John Deere Company. Kearney was the last move for Richard and his family where Rich went into partnership in the Spelts-Swanson Implement business. After selling the business and before officially retiring, Rich enjoyed his time employed with Master’s Transportation east of Kearney, NE. Throughout Buffalo County, Rich was well known to many to be dependable and trustworthy. Rich served on the Buffalo County Fair Board and was a member of the Elks Lodge. He also served as an usher and bus driver for First Lutheran Church. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, of 59 years; parents; sister Shirley Anderson Howe; in-laws; sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; nephews; and faithful dogs- Jake and Dame. Rich lived well and he will be missed by his survivors: his daughter Val of Grand Junction, CO’ son Tom of Jackson, MS; sister-in-law Kathleen McKay Fee of Lincoln, NE; nephews, nieces, friends and Mitzy. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the church service. There will be interment at 3:00 p.m. in the Guide Rock Cemetery in Guide Rock, NE. The family sincerely thanks all the caregivers, past and present, for their excellent care of Richard. Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 3315 Avenue G, Kearney, NE 68847 or to the Jubilee Center, 2523 Avenue A, Kearney, NE 68847. Condolences may be submitted at www.osrfh.com. Or to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, 4115 Ave N, Kearney, NE 68847

Richard E. "Rich" Swanson

July 24, 1929 - September 16, 2016