Leonard Dale "Swede" Swanson

Leonard Dale “Swede” Swanson, 85, of Bern Township, died August 8, 2023 at Tower Health – Reading Hospital, West Reading.

He was the loving husband of Dorothy G. “Ginger” (Beck) Swanson, with whom he was so very proud to be married to for 63 years. 

Born April 2, 1938, in Smethport, PA, he was a son of the late Arthur and Lillian B. (Dickinson) Swanson.

Swede was a 1956 graduate of Smethport High School.

He then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army for two years, and subsequently, the U.S. Air Force, where he served 18 years, until his retirement.  He served during the Vietnam War and was awarded The Bronze Star.

Well respected in the hardware industry, Swede spent almost 20 years as a salesman.  He started his career with Baldwin Hardware and then went on to work with Period Brass.  He also worked for Maurice’s BBQ in Columbia, SC for several years.

He was a member of Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC, and a former member of Calvary Baptist Church, Reading.  Over the years, Swede was happy to serve as a deacon and elder with various churches. 

Swede worked with a small business administration called SCORE.  He was an avid reader and loved Israel with a passion.  He was a prayer warrior who adored and encouraged his family, and was often moved to tears of joy.

Surviving is his son, Gene A., husband of Kristin B. Swanson of Bern Township; his grandsons, Thomas J. Swanson, husband of Kimberly R.; Adam J. Swanson, husband of Alyssa M.; and Benjamin J. Swanson, husband of Katelynn M.; and his great grandchildren, Jackson Cole, Georgina Grace, and another great granddaughter who is expected any day, Hazel Noelle.

In addition, he will be sadly missed by his sister-in-law, Carol Ann Gibson of Columbia, SC.

Swede was preceded in death by a son, John M. Swanson, who died in 2002.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 510 Park Avenue, Reading.  A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. in the church.  Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, 229 S. Saluda Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205 and/or The Gideons, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale, is in charge of arrangements.  For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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