Kenneth R. Swanson

1947-2024

Kenneth R. Swanson, age 76, of Tomahawk, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).

Ken was born in Tomahawk, on May 23, 1947, to the late Bennie and Verona (Liebelt) Swanson. He was married to Cheryl Anderson on Dec. 5, 1971; she survives.

Ken grew up on the Swanson family homestead/ dairy farm in the Town of Spirit and was a 1965 graduate of the Rib Lake High School. After graduation, Ken moved to Milwaukee, and soon after, was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War. After his military service ended, he moved back to Tomahawk and worked at Lampart Yards. In 1978, Ken began employment at the PCA Tomahawk Mill; retiring in 2013. He was a lifetime member of the Spirit American Legion and also a member of the Spirit 4H Club. Ken was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. He loved going for walks and spending time out in Spirit. Ken liked playing cribbage and watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and NASCAR races. Ken loved his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include his wife of over 52 years, Cheryl Swanson; his daughters, Amy (Neal) Gebauer, and Michelle (Andy) VanderWyst; his son-in-law, Dan Lundberg, and his “bonus” son-in-law, Pat Lundberg; his sister, Karen (Terry) Johnson; and his in-laws, Debbie and Joe Bandura, and Chet and Doreen Anderson. Ken is further survived by his grandchildren, Connor, Emerson, Ryan, Mason, and Mackenzie; and his nieces and nephews, Karla, Todd, Jake, Eric, and Scott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Verona; his daughter, Tammy Lundberg; and his father and mother-in-law, Chet and Darlene Anderson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ken’s best friends, Larry Halvorson, Joe Bandura, and Chet Anderson, as well as, Hana, for the exceptional and compassionate in home care she provided.

A memorial service with military honors was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Generations Funeral Home, at 11 a.m. Rev. Wayne Jahn officiated. The family received friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 am. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. You may view Ken’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral. com.

Paid Obituary 150831