George Allen Swanson

Remembering George…

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

George Allen Swanson, age 82, of Hillsboro, ND passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Hillsboro Sanford Medical Center surrounded by family, after a long battle with stage 4 lung cancer and COPD. After his diagnosis, he was given a prognosis of one year but fought for eight years. George concluded that everything that could be done, was done.

George was born on May 16, 1941, in Fargo, ND, the son of George and Julia (Dexheimer) Swanson. He was baptized in Fargo, ND and confirmed in Hillsboro, ND. He attended school in Cummings, ND through the 8th grade and then graduated high school in Crookston, MN. George enlisted in the Air Guard and was honorably discharged after three years of service and was a member of the Hillsboro Vets Club.

On December 2, 1966, he was united in marriage to Darlene Bye in Rustad, MN. Together they made their home and raised their three children, Bonita, Craig, and Jason, in Cummings, ND. They were happily married for 56 years. In 2018, they moved to Hillsboro, ND. George loved visiting with anybody and everybody. He especially enjoyed his daily rounds to Wright’s and the bus barn.

At a young age, George learned the love of farming. After his honorable discharge, he worked at Muscatell as a mechanic. He then went back to Cummings, ND to help with farming. He eventually opened his own mechanic shop, Swanson Repair, where he finished out his career. George was a very hard worker and did various jobs throughout his life which involved construction, welding, driving tender truck, and helping area farmers.

George was a longtime member of Highland Lutheran Church where he served on several different boards. After the closure of Highland, he joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Due to his health, he was unable to attend many services in person, but he religiously watched on television.

His hobbies included watching Nascar racing, ND class B state basketball, Bison, HCV, and Chiefs football, attending grand and great grandchildren’s events, snowmobiling, going on vacations with his wife, Darlene, which included Caribbean cruises, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. George enjoyed the Find Friends app on his iPhone so that he could keep track of his family. His all-time favorite hobby was fishing. He built several ice houses over the years and spent many summers at Lake Ida with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing on Stump, Addie, and Devils Lake.

George is survived by his wife, Darlene; and three children, Bonita (Clem) Moger of Cohasset, MN; Craig (Carla) Swanson of Buxton, ND; Jason (Jessica) Swanson of Grand Forks, ND. George was a grandfather to Carissa (Jacob) Koehn, Madison (Kohl) Mattson, Skyler Moger, Aubrey Rolland (Isaac Johnson), Levi Johnson (Calle Porter), Katelyn Rude (Levy Paskett), Jonah Rolland, Kyan Swanson, Annie Rolland, Caylee Swanson, and Charlie Swanson. He was a great grandfather to Hudson, Channing, Lux Koehn and another precious great grandson soon to be born. He is also survived by his brother, John Swanson; brother and sister-in-laws, Dave (Helen) Bye, Don (Pat) Bye, and Suzi Swanson. George was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. George cherished the special bond with Cindy, Stacy and many other friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Julia Swanson; in-laws, Walter and Orla Bye; brother, Robert Swanson; sister-in-law, Linda Swanson, and granddaughter, Audrey Swanson.

We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Panwalkar and his amazing team of nurses at Roger Maris. Also, Dr. Luithle, nurses, and medical staff at Sanford Hillsboro Hospital for the great service and compassionate care that George received.

The family suggests memorials to the Roger Maris Cancer Center or Our Savior’s Youth Group.

George preferred comfy wear. Jeans are welcome at his celebration.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: 2 PM Monday, October 2, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro – with a visitation beginning at 12:30 PM