A descendent of Swedish immigrants, arriving in the late 1800s, Larry was born in the Mississippi River Town of Redwing, MN on September 22, 1945, to Raymond and Lorraine Swanson. At the age of 74, he passed away Sunday morning September 29, 2019 in DePere, WI at the Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence.
Larry grew up with the love of the outdoors with the great bluffs and water as a backyard playground. Adventures were to be had in all directions.
He graduated from Red Wing High School in 1963 before attending college at Rochester, MN. During these years he discovered aviation and learned to fly while also joining the Minnesota Army National Guard serving for six years. A love of aviation led Larry to a 28-year career in Minneapolis, MN as an Air Traffic Controller.
Larry took a break from controlling in the early 1980s to return to school and obtain a degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota and became a CPA. During that time, he was able to spend summers canoeing in the boundary waters of Minnesota and back backing the Rocky Mountains with his faithful English Setter, Dori. After working a short career as a CPA he returned to Air Traffic Controlling.
On August 23, 1985 he married Diane Kroc at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Bloomington, MN. From this union came the birth of two children, Michael and Katherine.
Adventurous life continued while living in Lakeville, MN with his family. Larry shared his love of boating with his family, sailing Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands on his boat, “Windsong”. Winter was downhill skiing for the family.
He retired from Air Traffic Control in 2002. In 2007, retirement would lead Larry and Diane to relocate to Door County, WI where he took up Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan in his eastern fishing boat.
Along with his interest in the outdoors, Larry adventures continued with building new homes and completing the finishing work from masonry to carpentry, always willing to face another challenge. His self-taught woodworking produced many beautiful furniture pieces and family heirlooms.
Larry’s life was rich in so many ways. An avid reader, self-taught, he was always ready for the next adventure. His most remarkable adventure would prove to be his long courageous battle with cancer. Throughout the four years he remained positive and embraced each day, saying, “I’ve had a good life, and I am blessed”.
Larry will be missed by his wife, Diane of Sturgeon Bay; son, Michael of Farmington, MN; daughter, Katherine (Richard) Swanson of Bloomington, MN; two sisters, Lynn (Keith) Hanson, Karen (Steve) Crouch both of MN; brother, Steve (Nancy) Swanson of SD; several sisters-in-law, brothers in law, nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Raymond and Lorraine Swanson.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 Friday, October 4, 2019 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Fr. Carl Schmitt officiating. Internment will be at a later date in Minnesota.
Friends may call at the church Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be given in his memory for St. John Bosco Catholic School.
A very special thank you to Fr. Carl Schmitt for sharing his time providing us with support and comfort on this journey.
Many thanks to all our family and friends that have enriched us with their love and support. Thanks to the staff of Unity Hospice Jack and Engrid Meng Residence for their compassionate care provided to Larry in his final days.
