Harold J. Swenson

Harold Junior "Swede" Swenson, 91, of Topeka, KS, died peacefully, February 20, 2015 at Presbyterian Manor.

He was born March 13, 1923 in Keokuk, IA, son of Herman and Alice (Neaterour) Swenson.

He graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS, in 1941. In June of that year he volunteered for the U.S. Navy. Basic training was at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, IL. He was sent to Detroit, MI to Aviation Machinist School and was there when Pearl Harbor was bombed beginning World War II. He was transferred to San Diego, CA as a member forming an air group squadron for continued training at Kaneohe Bay, HI. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S Saratoga shortly after the battle of Midway.

After nine months at sea, he returned to Widbey Island, WA, for squadron reformation. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S Yorktown, and served as an aviation mechanic through end of the war. While numerous planes from his VT-3 squadron were lost in combat, not one was ever lost due to mechanical failure. After the end of the war he was discharged from the Navy at Corpus Christi, TX in June, 1947 with the rank of Aviation Machinist 1st Class.

On September 6, 1943 he married Doris Mae Sandlin, his sweetheart who had lived across the street from him. She preceded him in death in 2006, after 62 ½ years of marriage. They were blessed with one son, Donald Lee Swenson, who died at age three months, while Harold was in the Pacific Theater. Harold was never able to see his son. Also two daughters, Sandra Sue Swenson-Scott (John) of Citrus Heights, CA. and Mary Lou Riggert (Jerry) of Columbia, MO., both who survive. Also surviving are three grandsons: Christopher Riggert (Brandye), Damion Swenson-Scott (Sahar) and Cory Swenson-Scott; and two granddaughters: Erin MacLean (Brian) and Rachel Graves (Matthew); and four great grandsons Jacen MacLean, Kian Swenson-Scott, Malcolm Graves and Harrison Graves, and one great granddaughter, Maya MacLean. Also surviving are two sisters, Rachael Creal (Tom) and Cheryl Faulkner (Paul) and one sister-in-law Joyce Swenson (Wiley), together with a group of loving nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, son Donald, and two brothers, Richard Swenson and Wiley Swenson.

Harold was employed at Brackett Inc. of Topeka for 38 years. He started in sales and service after his discharge from the Navy. He served as secretary-treasurer for the company and finally worked as General Manager and Vice President. He was an active member of First Congregational church for nearly 60 years where he served on many committees over the years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also active in Boy Scouts serving as a National Jamboree Scoutmaster taking a troop to the Jamboree in Colorado Springs in 1960. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow. While he had no living son, Harold mentored countless young men into manhood through his work as a Boy Scout leader. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his volunteer service, one of the highest awards presented to non-professional adults in Scouting.

Harold will be remembered by his family as an unbelievably loving husband to his bride of over 62 years. Together they modelled the meaning of true love and life-long devotion. Their home and their hearts were always open to family and friend alike. As a father and grandfather Harold sought to give his love in his actions as well as in words. He modelled strength of character, genuine interest in the welfare of all he loved, and courage to persevere – even in the last nine years without his soulmate by his side. He exercised his faith in God by always seeking to serve others. This was his means of thanking God for all the blessings he had received throughout a rich and truly blessed life. Harold never considered the extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins or close friends as a burden. He counted family as the richest of blessings. His love was always evident, especially in a dry, but loving sense of humor. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Presbyterian Manor for their loving care for Harold during the last two years. They became his and our family during this difficult time. The family also wants to thank the members of Grace Hospice for their gentle support during his final days.

Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 26 at West Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Harold will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Congregational Church, Presbyterian Manor, or Grace Hospice.

To leave a special memory of Harold, please visit the guestbook below.