David Lloyd Swanson
February 13, 2018
David Lloyd Swanson of
Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 at the age of 84 with his
loving family by his side and the morning sun reflecting onto his face from the
newly fallen Baraboo snow.
Together, David and his
wife, Marcia fought a long and difficult battle with David's Parkinson's disease.
Marcia's dedication to David as his wife and caregiver seems like the worldly
expression of God's love. David and Marcia's 57-year devotion to one another,
in sickness and in health, represents an ideal for younger generations to
aspire to, ensuring that it does not become another anachronism in
our society.
David was born May 30, 1933
at home in Washburn, to Lloyd and Isabelle “Belle” (Harrison) Swanson. He
attended Washburn High School through his junior year.
On the eve of the recovery from the Great
Depression, the family moved to Sauk Prairie for work at the Badger Ordinance
Plant. In 1953, he graduated from Sauk Prairie High School.
David served in the
United States Army for two years during the Korean Conflict. His mother, Belle,
would cry every time she heard the song "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
while he was serving our country overseas. She was a very special part of his
life and he always remained close to her.
After his honorable
discharge, David worked at the Badger Ordinance Plant. It was during that time
that he spotted Marcia Anderson, a native of Baraboo, from across the room at a
Dell View Hotel dance. It was love at first sight. David graduated from the
University of Wisconsin, Platteville and they were united in marriage on June
17, 1961 at the First Presbyterian Church in Baraboo.
David and Marcia moved
to Madison in 1961 where he worked in sales at the Electron Company. While in
Madison, Eric and Brad were born. Together they enjoyed lazy afternoon picnics
and sailing on Lake Mendota.
In 1966, they moved to
Milwaukee where David began working at the Larson Company and they bought a house
in The Washington Highlands of Wauwatosa. There they forged so many great
friendships and memories that have endured for over half of a century. The
outrageous costumes of their many Halloween parties, the “Highland Flings,”
spring breaks in Florida; these were the roaring 70's and 80's that we all
remember and cherish. One memorable Halloween, they went as Frankenstein and
his bride. He must have stood over 7 feet tall in those platform boots!
It was during this time
period that David and two business partners formed The Super Systems Company in
Green Bay and began manufacturing commercial baking equipment. David designed
and engineered many of their products and held numerous US patents. He was
an inventor, a dreamer and an artist at his core. His entrepreneurial
spirit and passion was evident in everything he did.
Once their children left
for college, Marcia and David moved to Green Bay where they resided for 10
years. By that time, many of their friends had also moved from the old
neighborhood.
They sold the company in
1989, and moved back to their beloved Baraboo where they continued to forge
wonderful friendships. David and Marcia were very active members of the
Theater Guild where David would design and help build elaborate sets
for performances at the historic Al Ringling Theater. He was also an active
member of Friends of Devil's Lake, Friends of the Baraboo Zoo, Sauk County
Historical Society, Baraboo Range Preservation Association, Inventor's Club and
the Baraboo Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
David was a patient and
kind “gentle man" who never complained or found fault with anyone. He
was perennially optimistic, loved his family, and was always so proud
of his children and grandchildren. He took every opportunity to be with his
grandchildren, playing and introducing them to his beloved Baraboo. David had a
great sense of humor and loved to hear a good joke as much as telling one. His
friends and family members will always remember his aphorisms
and limericks from days gone by.
David is survived by his
wife, Marcia; son, Eric (Holly) Swanson and their children James and Robert of
Henderson, Nevada; son, Brad (Julia) Swanson and their children Alexandria,
Sophia and Madeline of Atlanta, Georgia; brother-in-law, Tom (Aila) Anderson, nephew,
Ben and niece, Heidi Anderson of Hollywood, Florida; brother-in-law, Gene
Patzer of Mulberry, Florida; and other relatives and friends. David
was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Jane Patzer.
David's family would
like to thank the caring staff at St. Clare Meadows Care Center, the
caregivers from Bright Star and Home Instead, SSM Hospice and Dr. Danny Sessler
for the caring attention given to David the past several years.
Donations in David's
memory may be made to: The Baraboo Parkinson's Support Group, The
Boy's and Girl's Club of Baraboo or The Friends of The Baraboo Zoo.
A private reception celebrating David's life
will be announced at a future date. The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home, 520 East St., Baraboo, is assisting
the family with arrangements.
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