John 'Jack' Swenson

MADISON-John "Jack" Swenson, age 69, passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg, following a brave and ongoing struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease). Jack was born on Feb. 15, 1941, in Spooner, the son of John and Marjorie Swenson. He attended Marquette Elementary and East High Schools in Madison. Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1961, primarily stationed in Germany and served as a radio and tank operator. Jack took pride in having received the designation of "sharpshooter/marksman" during his time in the service. He was employed many years as an iron worker and was a member of the Iron Workers Local 383. In a later career change, he worked for several area plumbing contractors including Dave Jones Plumbing where he retired. He later returned to work part-time at Jones Plumbing as a manager of the pre-fab shop and reluctantly had to resign as a result of his illness in October 2009. A highlight of Jacks life was his trip to Hawaii with his wife, Janet. He enjoyed dancing (including tap), reading, golfing, boating, political discussions and his time as a member of the Stoughton Gun Club. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Janet Hodge; sons, Christopher Swenson of Sun Prairie and Brian Hodge of Palatine, Ill.; mother-in-law, Lavina Grindeman of Muscoda; brothers, Gary (Deb) Swenson of Token Creek, Randy (Mary) Swenson of Burleston, Texas; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Landphier of Cottage Grove, Vilas Craig of Richland Center and Dave (Phyllis) Sailing of LaValle; many nieces and nephews; and many other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brent Swenson; sister, Kathleen Landphier; and fathers-in-law, Melvin Craig and Roy Grindeman. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, with Pastor Cal Steiner presiding. A celebration of Jacks life will be held at DOUBLEDAYS, 4586 Baxter Road, Cottage Grove, from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, with luncheon being served at 12:30 p.m. Memorials may be made in Jacks name to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711, or to the Door Creek Church, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, WI. 53718. A special thanks to brother, Gary, for his weekly trips to TGI Fridays for his favorite ribs. A warm thanks to many professionals who became very important to Jack during his illness for their special care: VA physicians, clergy, staff at the emergency, critical care unit, and 4th and 7th floors at the VA Hospital; staff of the hospice inpatient acute care; hospice in home care teams of the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center; staff of the Home Health United and Independent Living; Dr. Michael Aughey for his professional and spiritual guidance; Pastor Cal Steiner for his visits and prayers; and thanks to many close friends and relatives for their regular visits which lifted Jacks spirits. Memorials: Memorials may be made in Jacks name to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711, or to the Door Creek Church, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, WI. 53718. Service: A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, with Pastor Cal Steiner presiding. A celebration of Jacks life will be held at DOUBLEDAYS, 4586 Baxter Road, Cottage Grove, from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, with luncheon being served at 12:30 p.m.