John Swanson

John “Vernon” Swanson, 92, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, February 15, 2010, at MeritCare in Fargo.  He was born December 6, 1917, in Battle Lake, Minnesota, the son of John and Jennie (Rostad) Swanson. After graduation from Battle Lake High School he worked at McCabe Brothers Elevator Company in Battle Lake. In June of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, receiving his boot training at Great Lakes. He also received Naval Training in Norfolk, VA, and Portland, Maine. He served as a Seaman, First Class, aboard a destroyer escort of the Atlantic Fleet, receiving the American Theater and European-African-Middle Eastern Theater ribbons.  Following his discharge in 1945, he worked at the Battle Lake Creamery, at Otter Tail Power Company as a lineman, and farmed near Underwood for seven years.  He married Violet Schachschneider on October 4, 1947 in Underwood, where they made their home. They later moved to Fergus Falls, where Vernon worked at Mid-Am Dairy for 23 years until his retirement. Vernon enjoyed sports, especially basketball, and hunting, fishing, and bowling. Preceding him in death were his parents, Jenny and John Swanson, and two half sisters, Ada Gibson and Clara Rostad. Survivors include his wife, Violet Swanson, of Fergus Falls; a daughter, Lissa (Wayne) Pelzer; two grandchildren, Kyle and Chantelle Pelzer; and a sister-in-law, Eunice Call of Seattle Washington. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service:   1 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2010, at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls Clergy:   Reverend Tom Gard Interment: First United Church of Christ Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com