Skip Swanson, 89, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Oliver Clayton Swanson was born July 29, 1935 in Sanders Township, Pennington County, MN the son of George C. and Katherine (Anton) Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire, MN. He attended District 166 Country School in Sanders Township, then to St. Hilaire School through the eighth grade and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Skip had served as class president all four years of his high school.

On August 25, 1956, Skip was united in marriage to Patricia Rae Torkelson at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire by Pastor Pearson. To this union two sons were born, Kevin Alan Swanson and Brad Lauren Swanson.

In 1953 Skip entered into service with the Minnesota Army National Guard. While a member of the guard, Skip served as Assistant Supply Technician and Company Clerk. On May 10, 1974 Skip was Honorably Discharged.

Growing up Skip worked on his family farm and neighbor's farm. After graduating from high school, he worked many jobs including the oil fields of North Dakota. His brother Chet got him a job working for Ranum Construction. With that experience he started his own construction company in the late 1960's, "Swanson Construction". His crew often included his sons Kevin and Brad.

During his early years, Skip was a member and held offices at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire and was currently a member and held offices at St. Pauli Lutheran Church. Skip was very active in the Thief River Falls community. He served as a Pennington County Commissioner for 32 years, Pennington County Fair Board for 15 years, and was active with the Golden Pioneers. Skip was a member of the American Legion Post 117, Eagles Thief River Falls, and the Heritage Center.

Survivors include his sister, Sharon (Neil) Bugge; sister-in-laws, Shirley Swanson, Corine Bjorge and Carolyn (Chuck Larson) Haugen; brother-in-law, Craig (Sally) Torkelson;  sidekick niece, Talli Swanson; many nieces, nephews, including great and great-great nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patty; his parents, George Carl and Kate Swanson; his sons, Kevin and Brad; siblings, Chester (Janet), Lenord (Marcie), Eleanor, Lylian "Mickey" (Chuck Richards), Donnie (Cerise), Cliff, Dennis, and Leslie (Bernie); brother-in-law, Lyle BJorge and many other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a prayer service starting at 6:30 PM. Visitation will also begin at 10:00 AM with the service to celebrate Skip's life starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Kevin Reich officiating. Burial will be at St. Pauli Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com