Thursday, October 22, 2020

JOHN E.C. SWANSON

John E. C. Swanson, 80, Medford, WI, a Township of Hammel resident, died on Wednesday, October 21 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

There will be a public visitation for John from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, October 27 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford.  There will also be a short military rites service performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team at 5 PM.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required while in the funeral home.

John was born on October 13, 1940 at St. Cloud, MN, the son of Elmer C. and Doris L. (Schultz) Swanson.  He attended Foley, MN elementary schools and was a graduate of Foley High School.  His marriage to Ruth A. Graham took place on October 14, 1962 in Ralston, NB and she preceded him in death on May 12, 2004.

After his education, he entered the US Air Force and served from 1959 to 1971.  After the military, he returned to Medford and worked as a mechanic at Medford Motors.  For a short while, he co-owned and operated Rief Motors in Medford.  He then returned to Medford Motors and worked until his retirement in 2004.  He enjoyed fishing, wood working, camping, stock car races, gardening and bowling.  He was a member of the Esadore Lake Association.

He is survived by his daughters, Carol (Willis) Ziemer, Debbi (Greg) Hartwig both of Medford and Kristina Jaja of Marshfield, grandchildren, Sean & Ann Hartwig both of Medford and Cori Lanier of Marshfield, along with a brother, Gary (Jane) Swanson of Foley, MN.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, Donald Swanson and domestic partner, Judy Inman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.