Paul Swanson

OREGON-Paul G. Swanson, age 96, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the Skaalen Home in Stoughton. He was born on June 25, 1914 in Minong, the son of John and Anna (Carlsson) Swanson. Paul was a veteran of World War II having proudly served his country in the U. S. Army 12th Armored Division as a Tank Sargent in the 494th Headquarters Battalion where he earned the Bronze Star for his distinguished service. Paul was united in marriage to Ruth Butler on January 23, 1954 in Janesville. He retired as master carpenter from the UW- Madison Carpenter shop in 1980 at the age of 66 and in 2001 retired from Genesis Housing in Oregon at the age of 87 where he was the maintenance man. Paul was known for his service to community youth, co-founder of Boy Scout Troop 168 at St. John's Lutheran Church, ran the Pine Wood derby and coached Little League. Paul was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church as council member and usher. He was Past Commander of the American Legion Post 205 of Janesville. He worked with others to establish the Oregon-Brooklyn Habitat for Humanity which became the Madison Habitat for Humanity and built the first Habitat home in Brooklyn. Paul was an avid sportsman who at an early age successfully avoided the Washburn County game wardens. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ruth; his children, John (Jane), Grace (Mark) Thomsen, Eric (La Vonne), Edward (Melissa) and Kyle (Darlene); 16 grandchildren and four great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Martha Swanson and Jennie Allen. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 with the Reverend Paul Marquardt presiding. Burial will be in Milton Lawn Cemetery, Janesville at 2:30 PM. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, and also on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oregon Area Council on Aging, Skaalen Endowment Fund or to St. John's Lutheran Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of the Oregon Area Adult Care and Skaalen Home for their compassionate care of Paul. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oregon Area Council on Aging, Skaalen Endowment Fund or to St. John's Lutheran Church. Cemetery: Burial will be in Milton Lawn Cemetery, Janesville at 2:30 PM. Visitation: Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, and also on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Service: Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 with the Reverend Paul Marquardt presiding.