Vernon Swanson

Jan. 25, 1943-Dec. 2, 2025

RUSSELL — Services for Vernon Swanson, 82, of Russell are 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace First Parish in Russell. Interment will be at the Russell Cemetery, followed by luncheon at the Russell Community Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to his celebration, from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, also at the church.

He died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Vernon Albin Swanson was born on Jan. 25, 1943, in Russell. He was the son of Albin and Sophie Swanson. Vernon grew up on the family farm near Russell and was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his youth at Grace Lutheran Church in Russell. He attended school in Russell before continuing to help his family on the farm.

On Sept. 26, 1964, Vernon was united in marriage to Leigh Schuchard in Elkton, South Dakota. After meeting the love of his life at a local football game and the couple spent 56 years of marriage together prior to her death in 2019. They made their home on a hobby farm just outside Russell where they raised three children.

Vernon was proud of his hobby farm where he primarily raised and trained horses and later took on sheep. He drove truck for various places, namely over 30 years at Schwan’s. Later he would serve as custodian for the Russell School and enjoyed his time as school bus driver in his home community.

Vernon’s interests in life included hunting, fishing, time spent at their cabin on Nest Lake near Spicer, playing with his dog, and attending horse shows. In recent years Vernon could also be found trying his luck on video lottery games.

He is survived by his 3 children, Tara (and TJ) Law of Brandon, SD, Russ (and Nancy) Swanson of Aberdeen, SD, Troy Swanson of Harrisburg, SD; 4 grandchildren, Tasha Swanson, Teya (and Devin) Berndt, Rex Swanson, Trinity Law; 7 great-grandchildren, Briley, Ella, Sophie, Derek, Blayke, Iris, Bowman; sister, Judy Swanson of Balaton; beloved dog, Bella; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Sophie Swanson; wife, Leigh Swanson; and a sister in infancy, Eyvone Swanson.

Arrangements with

Hamilton Funeral Home Marshall, MN

507-532-2933