Lowell Swanson, 79

Thief River Falls - Lowell Swanson, age 79, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, following a long battle with Parkinson’s. Lowell Leroy Swanson was born March 4, 1945 in Thief River Falls, at the old Mercy Hospital, now the Masonic Lodge. He was the son of Ernest and Lois (Jones) Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Goodridge First Lutheran Church by Rev. Walter Pedersen in 1959. He graduated from Goodridge High School in 1963. Lowell attended the ATVS in Thief River Falls, for Aviation Mechanics which he completed in 1966. He welded at Arctic between studies. In July 1966, Lowell was united in marriage to Darlene Marie Iverson. Two daughters were born of this union, Sheri and Shelly. After graduation, Lowell was employed by the University of Minnesota- Anoka as an airplane mechanic and the family moved to Blaine. In 1967, Lowell bought the Eliason Farm across the road from the family farm in Goodridge. After flying home on weekends to farm with the University’s plane, the family permanently moved home in 1969. Lowell would live there until moving to Thief River Falls in 2019. He sold the home place to his nephew in 2021, keeping it part of the Swanson family. Lowell, while farming, worked driving gravel truck and in carpentry, building several houses and pole sheds in the area. In 1981, he started Swanson Airspray with a little belly dump on a Citabria. He achieved his goal of owning an Ag Cat biplane which he was very proud of. Lowell’s passion was flying, and he owned six airplanes over the years. Lowell was involved in many organizations. He was raised to the degree of a Master Mason in 1966, serving as Master in 1975 and 1999. He was Shriner of KEM temple and played in the Oriental Band. He was a member of the Eagles, the Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club, the Goodridge Flying Club, The Flying Farmers of America, Experimental Aviation Association, and Aerial Applicator Association. Lowell was a member of the Highlanding Township Board from 1974-2002. He was on the Farmers Elevator board of directors; forever. He was awarded King Agassi in 1984. Lowell married Nancy Merila Benedict in June of 1988. She was the love of his life. The couple enjoyed almost 36 years together. Lowell is survived by his wife, Nancy; his two children, Sheri (Martin) Hill and Shelly Swanson; Nancy’s children, Tim (Yvonne) Benedict, Theresa (Steve) Leveson, and Bill (Judy) Benedict; nine grandchildren, Kylie (Matthew) Evanoff, Tyler (Nancy) Hofstad, Justin Hofstad, Laura Hofstad, Kate (Brian) Awsumb, Michael (Julie) Benedict, Rachel (Nick) Schaefer, Erinne Benedict, and Christian Benedict; six great-grandchildren, Addylee, Aurora, Ingrid, Erik, Ella, and Max; also siblings, Alan (Deb) Swanson, Linda (Mickey) Zimmerman, Anita Pietila, and Sharon Knutsen; along with many nieces and nephews. Lowell is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lois; one great-grandson; Royal Knutson and John Pietila (brothers-in-law); and one infant nephew. Funeral service for Lowell will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, with Reverend Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at the Goodridge Community Cemetery, Goodridge. Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. with the prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and a Masonic Service followed. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. A00003B2024MY15