Richard "Dick" Eldon Swanson, was born on March 19, 1941 in Emmetsburg, Iowa to Eldon and Helen (Hough) Swanson. He passed away at his home in Estherville on October 18, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

Dick graduated from Graettinger High School. He was united in marriage to Karen Anderson in Jackson, Minnesota on June 9, 1961. The couple made their home in Estherville, where they raised their three children: Mike, Barbara, and Jay. Dick worked for John Morrell and Company for many years.

Dick was a member of Estherville Lutheran Church. He enjoyed riding motorcycles in his younger years. Spending time in his garden with the flowers and vegetables brought him great joy. Dick and Karen took many camping trips together, they enjoyed traveling to Texas and Arizona.

Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years Karen Swanson of Estherville, his children Mike Swanson of Viera, Florida, Barbara Taylor of Estherville, and Jay Swanson of Butler, Tennessee; his six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Dick is also survived by his siblings Gary (Pat) Swanson of Graettinger and Donna (Ron) Smith of Estherville; and his sisters-in-law Anita (Mark) Larsen of Ringsted and Sherry (Dennis) Gjerde of Estherville.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law Amy Swanson, grandson Kirby Taylor, his brother-in-law Duane Anderson, and sister-in-law Karleen (Al) Slater.