Gordon Swanson

Gordon Alton Swanson, “Gordy,” age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2020 at home in Garfield, Minnesota.

Gordy was born on March 15, 1938 to Gustaf A. and Clara J. Swanson.  He grew up in Argyle, MN, enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from High School in 1956. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and returned home to run the family farm with his brother Duane. In the Fall of 1966 he met Lois King in Virginia, MN and they were married in the summer of 1968.  They lived in Oslo, MN where he farmed and they had their first child Geoffrey Allen.  In 1973 they moved to Alexandria and purchased the Coast to Coast franchise. In 1974 they were blessed with a daughter Amy Jo. In 1983 he purchased the Ace Hardware franchise and owned it until 1993.

Gordy was “a jack of all trades” having the tools and the know-how to complete many projects. He was a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker and had designed and built many pieces that fill his family’s homes. He was an electrician, a plumber and a mason and his engineering skills can be seen throughout the homestead. His passion was work. He took pride in starting and completing tasks, from his many “to do” lists. He loved to teach others, especially his Grandchildren of the importance of hard work and diligence and often strove for perfection. He enjoyed yard work, building projects and had a knack for organization. His grandkids loved working and playing alongside him, gardening, 4-wheeling, laughing, and just being together.

Gordy is survived by his wife Lois, son Geoffrey (Dana), daughter Amy Lamb, Tim Lamb, 3 adoring Grandsons, Spencer, Gavin, Owen, his favorite Granddaughter Larissa, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James, Ken, Duane, sister Cleone and infant daughter.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4th, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Garfield with Memorial service at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will take place at Bigwoods Lutheran Church Cemetery, Oslo, MN.

The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend. Masks are required at Anderson Funeral Home and St. Luke's Church.