Harold Dueker Swanson

Harold Dueker Swanson, 91, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died January 1, 2022, at Riverside Transitional Care in La Crosse, WI. Grieving at his death, but rejoicing in a life well-lived, are many friends and his family: wife, Wanda; children Kristin (Alan Hecht), Mark (Nancy Schoenberg) and Celia Swanson; grandchildren Nathan, David (Abby Sterling) and Karin Hecht, and Rachel (Emerson Hardebeck) and Benjamin Swanson.  Harold was born in 1930 on a farm near Wichita, Kansas, to Simon and Ottilia (Dueker) Swanson, and grew up there. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Miller, nieces Nona (Michael) Clifton and Karen (John) Ballard, and sister-in-law Linda Ruhnke.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kjersti Swanson.

Dr. Swanson received his Bachelor’s degree from Friends University, Wichita, his Master’s degree from the University of Kansas, and his doctorate from the University of Tennessee.  He also spent a year in Norway studying on a Fulbright scholarship, where he and Wanda spent the first year of their marriage.  Dr. Swanson taught biology at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, for 35 years.

A long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Des Moines, then a member of First Congregational Church (UCC) in La Crosse, Harold considered service to community a primary value.  His volunteer work included: blood donor and board member for the Iowa Blood bank; judge for the Iowa Science Fair; founding member of Methodist Hill Children’s Center; founding member of HOME Incorporated: and member of AMOS.

One of his defining characteristics was his insatiable curiosity about the world, as well as the desire to share his fascinations with students, friends and family.  Once retired, he and Wanda traveled the world, visiting all 50 states and all the continents except Antarctica.  The stories of their adventures, as well as the annual summer camping trips with the family and intergenerational Elder Hostel trips with all five grandchildren, instilled in all of their offspring a love of travel, folk art, and the wide variety of human cultures around the world.  He was an enthusiastic choir member, first with the Singing Quakers, then with the FUMC Chancel Choir, and eventually with the Eagle Crest choir, where he was also well known for his harmonica playing.  Classical music, wordplay, puns, teasing, camping, reading, philosophizing, and singing were a big part of how he created a family culture of love, joy, service, kindness, and affection.

The entire family is deeply grateful to the staff of Riverside Transitional Care and the Mayo Hospice program.

Memorial donations welcomed for the following organizations:  National Parks Conservation Association ( NPCA.org ); Sigma Xi student programs ( sigmaxi.org ); Eagle Crest Communities Tuition Incentive Program Fund ( eaglecrestlife.org ).  Due to COVID restrictions, a memorial service will be postponed until a later date. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse are in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com .