Raymond Swann

Raymond H. Swann, WWII Veteran, age 82, died peacefully October 24th at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota after contending months with a spinal injury. Preceded in death by his loving wife, Arline, with whom he shared 54 joyful years of marriage, and son, Michael. Survived by son, Kevin, Fargo and daughters, Susan of Bloomington, MN, Kathleen of Key West, FL, and Kristi and husband, David Schott of Sugar Land, TX and Colleen of Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren Christopher, Wendy, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Landon, Jennifer and Teressa, also relatives and close friends. Raymond was born to Harry and Agnes (Novak) Swann in Park River, North Dakota on November 20, 1920. He grew up in that area, attended school in Pisek and graduated from Milton High School. He put in many long hours on the Novak farm and in their meat shop. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression years. He joined the Army in September, 1942, was a WWII Veteran and POW. Upon his return he lived in Fargo and attended Fargo Business College. Ray met Arline Kehn at the Crystal Ballroom in Fargo where they shared their first dance. July 20, 1946 they exchanged vows and their marriage was blessed at St. Mary?s Cathedral. In 1947 Ray was asked to join a group of 13 men to form the North Dakota Air National Guard, was the last of the charter members to retire and proud to be a Happy Hooligan. His eldest son, Michael joined as a pilot and later flew for NASA. Ray was a Medical Technician and earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. In 1962 he was honored as Civil Servant of the Year. Ray was a charter member and manager for the NDANG Credit Union for many years. He retired from the Air Guard in l980 and with his wife, Arline, bought Galaxy Resort on Star Lake, keeping them busy for the next 3 years. After retirement they lived at Valle del Oro in Mesa, AZ in the winter and on Big Cormorant Lake in the summer. Dancing, golfing, cards, and billiards were his favorite hobbies, plus taking great pride in conquering the long list of handyman projects. The funeral mass for Raymond Swann will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at St. Mary?s Cathedral in Fargo. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 PM Wednesday at Boulger Funeral Home. Burial, with Military Honors, will be held at the North Dakota Veteran?s Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 30th. Memorials are preferred to the ND Veterans Cemetery, Caring Bridge Network or a charity of your choice.