Herman E. 'Swede' Swanson

Herman E. "Swede" Swanson, 88, of Bella Vista, Ark., died on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at his home. He was born on March 23, 1924, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Herman A. and Hazel Swanson. Herman served in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted on June 17, 1941, in Kansas City, Mo., and achieved the rank of corporal. He served his tour of duty in the South Pacific and was attached to USS Pennsylvania at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Herman was honorably discharged at the end of the war at Quantico, Va., on Nov. 29, 1945. Herman married Agnes Rosemary Lodge on May 15, 1948, and they have been married 64 years. Herman was self-employed in the flooring business for 40 years in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Herman and Agnes retired to Bella Vista, Ark., in January 1989. He was the president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Herman was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and in his retirement he worked for the Bella Vista POA golf courses. Herman's favorite pastimes were playing golf with the Sheneman Gang and playing cards. Herman was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church of Bella Vista, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ray Herndon; two brothers, Gene and Melvin Swanson; sister, Janet Madole; and two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Agnes Swanson; three sons, Michael Swanson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Paul Swanson and his wife, Mary, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kevin Swanson and his wife, Heidi, of Pineville, Mo.; daughters, Karen Swanson of Bella Vista, Ark., Lisa Beard and her husband, Jeff, of Rogers, Ark.; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. A rosary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. in the St. Bernard Catholic Church, # 1 St. Bernard Lane. Military honors will be immediately following the service at the church. A private internment will be held at a later date in the Fayetteville V.A. National Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762; or the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 5248, Bella Vista, AR 72714. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.