Eldon Dean Swanstrom
February 21, 1940 - June 7, 2019
Obituary
Eldon D. Swanstrom
February 21, 1940 – June 7, 2019
We are deeply saddened to share with you the passing of Eldon D. Swanstrom on June 7, 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Eldon was born on February 21, 1940 in Marquette, Nebraska. Raised as a farmer but interested in a different way of life he chose to enlist in the United States Air Force at the age of 21. He enjoyed a successful military career rising to the rank of Senior Master Sargeant during his 21 years of service. He spent those years traveling the world with his family. Among the various stations he saw were Morocco, Korea, Germany, Hawaii, Colorado, Virginia, California, Arizona, and Washington. After retiring from the military in 1981, he settled close to his wife, Verna’s, family in Burien, Washington where he began a second career rising to manager of the parts departments of local Nissan dealerships. Eldon was a dedicated worker in the Air Force and with Nissan and earned numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements.
Eldon married his sweetheart, Verna M. Baever, whom he met at home in Seward, NB while she attended Concordia Lutheran College. They fell in love through written letters while away at his first duty station and were married on June 27, 1964 in Yuba City, California. They kept all those letters, and now Verna will cherish them all the more. They were blessed with 4 children, Frederick, Jeffrey, Eric and Catherine (who were all born in different assignment locations) and 54 fulfilling years together.
His dedication to his faith and his family was the foundation of his life. He was very active in the Lutheran church up until his body kept him from fulfilling this calling. Eldon was a quiet, tender soul with a love of helping others. Although Eldon’s body failed him, he managed to keep his great sense of humor even through his last days. He leaves a legacy of humor and sarcastic wit through his children and grandchildren.
Eldon is survived by his wife Verna, sons Frederick, Jeffery, and Eric (spouse Kathy) and daughter Catherine (spouse Frank Augustyniewicz) and 8 beloved grandchildren; Alex, Rachael, Rebecca, Jonathon, Sarah, Elise, Meredith, Mari and his sister Kaye Rhodes and numerous nieces and nephews. Eldon is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Alice, brother Cletus and daughter-in-law Anne.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 1:00 PM at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 134 S 206th ST, Des Moines,WA 98198. Following the service, Military Funeral Honors will take place graveside at 2:45 PM at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
I know Cathy from church in Wichita, KS. Sounds like your dad was a great guy, Cathy! He was a Cornhusker by birth, as am I! Will keep you and all your family in my prayers.
Sorry for your lost,
Cousins from Nebraska
We are saddened by Eldon’s passing. It was always a pleasure to see Him and Verna when they came to visit Mom and Dad. We will especially remember our visit to their home in Burien. They were very proud of the home they made. Our prayers are with you. Take care.
Sincere condolence to the family in the passing of Eldon. Though you might not remember us, we had the privilege of serving with Eldon at Ramstein AB Germany. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. God bless!
Blair and I are saddened to hear of Uncle Eldon’s passing. I will remember when I was about 5 years old we traveled to California to Verna and Eldon’s wedding and I was one of the flower girls. They were always so funny when they visited the farm in Idaho. He will be missed by all!