Harry Swanson

Harry E. Swanson, Sr.

“Swany”

Age 93 of Wilmington, passed away Friday, April 17, 2015 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born November 26, 1921 in Joliet, Harry was a son of the late Elmer and Elsie (Schroeder) Swanson. He was raised in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Township High School. Harry was a World War II Veteran of the US Army, honorably serving from October of 1942 to January of 1946. During his service he was a Marksman in the 181st Chemical Platoon attached to the 72nd Division in the Southern Philippine Liberation. He continued his career with the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant for 30 years, where he retired as the supervising inspector. After retirement Harry then went to work for the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Frankfort for 10 years. Harry and his wife Alma Jean (nee Swaim) relocated to Kissimmee, Florida, where they lived for 23 years before returning to Wilmington. Harry was an avid bowler, who bowled on a league throughout his life, and most recently with the senior citizens league at Town and Country Lanes in Joliet. He loved fishing and created many memories traveling throughout the Midwest and Canada fishing with his brothers and nephews. Harry was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan; loved nature and took pleasure in photography. In his free time, Harry kept a sharp mind in working puzzles, Sudoku, and surfing the internet. A brilliant man, who was witty, loved telling stories and had a dry sense of humor; Harry will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, who was loved by all.

Survivors include five children: Frances “Lori” Hank of Wilmington, Leanne (Douglas) Lutes of Coal City, Patricia (Michael) Clinton of Surprise, AZ, Mary (Michael) Langlois of New Lenox and Harry E., Jr. Swanson of Ft. White, FL; (8) grandchildren: Charles, Carrie, Jackie, Jan, Jennifer, Kelli, Meagan and Kristina; (7) great grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Robert W. Swanson of Romeoville, Lois (Kelly) Parrish of FL, Charles A. (Shirley) Swanson of AR and Ruth (James) Langlois of FL, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his loving companion and sweetie: Helen Grindstaff.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; son John in 1953; wife Alma Jean in 2004; son-in-law James Hank; sister-in-law Mary Swanson and brother-in-law Richard Pelhke.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Wednesday morning April 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Avery Wilson officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Harry’s memory to his family for their distribution.

Family and friends may sign the guest book or visit Harry’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)