Mark H. Swanson, 53, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mark Harold Swanson was born February 9, 1952 in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Harold and Betty (Hoard) Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. He attended Knox Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970. After graduation, Mark worked at Arctic Cat and Shetlers Hatchery in Thief River Falls. On January 25, 1977, Mark lost his legs in a snowmobile accident.

Mark was united in marriage to Annette Peterson on June 5, 1980 in Thief River Falls. The couple then continued to reside in Thief River Falls raising their two sons, Adam and Michael. Throughout his years, Mark continued to work out of his home. He worked on small engines, woodworking, mechanical repair on cars, lawnmowers and snowmobiles. Also, he enjoyed mounting deer horns and creating the boards on which to mount them. He was an all-around handyman. He never let his handicap hinder his ability to work. In his younger years, Mark enjoyed trap shooting.

Mark was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN. He helped with the Options program for the disabled. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed fishing, gardening, berry picking and made the best potato klub and side pork. He especially loved spending time at the Ponderosa . He was very proud of his children, Adam and Michael and adored his grandchildren, Ann, the apple of his eye and Carson his little buddy.

Mark is survived by wife, Annette, Thief River Falls, MN; sons, Adam (Jessica) Swanson, Walker, MN and Michael Swanson, Thief River Falls, MN; 2 grandchildren, Ann and Carson Swanson; mother, Betty Swanson, Thief River Falls, MN; 6 sisters, Susan (Al) Buhl, Thief River Falls, MN, Julie (Dan ) Sullivan, Moorhead, MN, Wendy (Tom) Goddard, Thief River Falls, MN, Cory (Randy) Jorde, Thief River Falls, MN, Jodell Usitalo (special friend, Rick Dessellier) Lake Linden, MI, Nancy (Jim) Thompson, Chandler, AZ; mother-in-law, Lois Peterson, Thief River Falls, MN; Marks Inlaws-(Outlaws), Bev (Earl) Halfaday, Florence, SD, Sheryl (Lyle) Morken, Springbrook, ND, Marlene (Rick) Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN, Pamela Pals, Thief River Falls, MN, Rodney (Diane) Peterson, Thief River Falls, MN, Sheldon (Suzanne) Peterson, Thief River Falls, MN, Kimberly (Rick) Hicks, Rosemont, MN and Kristie (Bill) Fliehr, Apple Valley, MN; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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