Obituary: Alan Swanson
Alan E. Swanson, age 91, of Worthington, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Crossroads Care Center in Worthington.
Alan E. Swanson, age 91, of Worthington, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Crossroads Care Center in Worthington. He was born November 21, 1921 in Minneapolis to parents Otto and Lillie (Wahlstrom) Swanson. He graduated from West High School in Minneapolis in January of 1939.
In the summer of 1939 he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard and then entered active duty in the United States Army during World War II. He was one of the first Army Rangers. He served in Scotland, North Africa and in Italy and received two Purple Hearts.
Alan was united in marriage to Dorothy Doxey on May 18, 1946 in Minneapolis. Alan received his education at Macalester College in St. Paul graduating in 1949. The couple lived in Sturgis and Milbank, SD where Alan taught English and speech and also was a debate coach. In 1962 they moved to Worthington and he taught History and Social Studies at the Worthington High School. For many years he directed the junior and senior class plays and was the announcer for Worthington Trojan football and basketball home games. He coached a number of students who participated in the American Legion Oratory program, many who went on be state champions and compete nationally. He retired from teaching in 1987.
Alan was very active in the Nobles County Historical Society, particularly at Pioneer Village. Alan was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW and was very active in the noon Kiwanis and then the Golden K Kiwanis Club for many years. He was very involved in Crailsheim International and as a member of the Worthington Country Club served as chair of the Labor Day Tournament for many years. He was a member of the Nora Unitarian Universalist Church in Hanska.
Alan is survived by two children, Reid (Jane) Swanson, Los Angeles, CA; and Paula (Scott) Steve, Worthington; three grandchildren, Ryan (Hannah) Swanson, Portland, OR; Kyle (Rebecca) Steve, Los Angeles, CA; and Corey (Theresa) Steve, Wilmont, MN; and two great granddaughters, Quinn Steve and Alana Steve, brothers, Roy (Lois) Swanson, Fairmont, MN; and Paul (Pat) Swanson, Red Wing, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy on February 23, 2010 and his sister, Fern.
Visitation will be Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington. The service will be Friday, January 4, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington with the Rev. Lisa M. Doege officiating.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com.
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Jim W.
Al was a dear and close friend,Al's double cousin Lawrence was my wife's cousin's husband, we joked alot about being relatives. All four of our children had Al as a teacher or a mentor and he was a good one. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jim WychorSt. Paul/Woodbury, MN 01/03/2013 2:57 PM
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