Joel Swanson

SWANSON – Joel Swanson age 65, of Holland, passed away on January 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer Oliver and Mary Jeanne Swanson; and brother, Jeremy Swanson. Joel is survived by his brothers, John and Deborah Swanson of Grand Rapids, James and Onie Swanson of Houston Texas, and Jeffrey and Janice Swanson of Beverly Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews. Joel was born October 9th, 1959 with severe Down Syndrome. As customary at the time he became a ward of the state and moved between various institutions, a source of frustration and stress to family. In Joel's early 20's his parents were able to get him into Pilgrim Manor, an adult foster care home in Battle Creek with 3 other special needs young men and they became like brothers. During the next 43 years Joel blossomed which was not only a blessing to him and his family but also a testament to the change in the way special needs folk are treated. It was also during this time Joel got out into the community going grocery shopping where he pushed the cart (and no one else). With the advent of CLS (community life skills) programs, he and his brothers would help bus tables (with lots of supervision) at local buffet diners in Battle Creek and similar activities. At home, Joel insisted on helping clear table, take laundry to the wash and dust...and any other thing he could get involved in. He was always busy, always on the move. In August 2022 Joel moved in with his brother John and sister in law Deb following the passing of the Pilgrim Manor owner. He spent 9 months with family as his brother worked to find him another foster care facility. The family got to know and love him. As before, he was very independent (sometimes too much so), very happy and happy go lucky. He went to church, lunch, grocery shopping and became a favorite at the familie's favorite restaurant. He loved to ride any place he could "weasel" in. If he heard keys jingle he grabbed his coat and headed for the car. In early 2023, family found Harrison Home in Holland, Michigan as his new living space. Joel took to the place immediately and had a huge impact. Joel was always a jokester before but took it to new levels at Harrison. He loved to roam the house, swipe his house mates shoes and hide them under his bed. He would hide under their beds to scare them by grabbing ankles then getting up, laughing, and run out of the room...and they loved it. He loved to throw his favorite ball then chase it. He would dump his collection of squeeze toys then collect and rearrange...then do it all over. He loved to eat and help with daily chores and any time staff had errands to run, he was there to go along. Harrison Home staff said over and over again; Joel brought such joy to their community with his goofy smile and happy go lucky personality. He could be caught with his hand in the cookie jar and still smile and laugh at you as if to say: "what's the problem"? He always made people laugh. He accepted everyone. The family is planning a private memorial service in the spring. Those wanting to contribute in Joel's honor are encouraged to to so to Heritage Homes Inc. the parent company of Harrison Home.