John Edward Swanson
November 7, 1951–February 27, 2024
John Edward Swanson, age 72, of Seneca, Wisc., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in his home.
John was born on Nov. 7, 1951, to Marian and Gehard Swanson, being the third of five children. He married Teri Vedvik on Oct. 2, 1976, at Utica Lutheran Church. Together they had three children and raised a family sharing 47 years.
He worked at Lock 8 in Genoa, Wisc., for 24 years and spent his winters with his father-in-law logging together. John was a staple of the community and a friend to all. John was a veteran of the United States Army, an active legion member, and a volunteer Fireman for the Seneca community for many years. He greeted whoever he ran into with a friendly smile and a welcoming conversation.
When the weather permitted, you could find John at the ballpark, whether on the field playing, coaching little league, behind the plate umping, or sitting in the stands enjoying the game. John was a Fastpitch Hall of Fame inductee as of 2023 after spending years playing with many different teams.
When John wasn’t following his grandchildren around for sporting events, he loved listening to music, going for long drives to finish his “rounds” with his dog Gus, and calling his friends. “Swani” was known far and wide and made a friend wherever he went. He enjoyed having a good conversation and his memorable laugh was heard around the country.
Swani was rarely seen without a book or newspaper in his hand. John’s love filled his home with poetry and stories of happiness. He taught love as a lesson, filled with volumes from his own heart. John was loved both widely and deeply, leaving an impact on each person he crossed paths with.
He is survived by his loving wife, Teri; his children, Adrian (Joann) Swanson, John Patrick (Lacie) Swanson, and Breanne (Jesse) Groom; his grandchildren, Garrett, Liv, Samual, Gabriella, Ashton, Aidan, Adelyn, Abel, Austyn, Westyn, Justyn, and Lily; and his siblings, David (Donna) Swanson, Peter (Joann) Swanson, Jane Swanson, Barb (Terry) Murphy; his brothers in law, Randy (Janet) Vedvik, and Rick Vedvik.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marian and Gehard Swanson, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harold and Meredith Vedvik.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Gays Mills American Legion are appreciated. A grave side service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Utica Lutheran Church Cemetery. A celebration of John’s life will follow at the family home, 20499 Hwy 27, Seneca, Wisc., 54654. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.
Honorary pallbearers to represent John, his grandchildren, Garrett Groom, Liv Swanson, Samual Groom, Gabriella Groom, Ashton Swanson, Aidan Anderson, Adelyn Swanson, and Abel Swanson.
