Russell Swanson

With an inviting smile and big, loud personality, Russell Swanson lived joyfully, inspiring all who were blessed to know him. Russ was a jovial, gregarious man who naturally connected with people in special ways. He led with his heart and never hesitated to generously give of his time and talents in service of others. Regardless of life's challenges, Russ embraced each day as a gift to be celebrated. In doing so, Russ proved to be a powerful role model for living a wholehearted life. Cherished by many, Russ will long be remembered and so very missed.

A time of innovation, the year 1957 found the U.S. economy booming. The need for consumer goods grew as manufacturing attempted to keep up with demand. It was the peak of the "baby boomer" era and a time when families prayed, played, and sat at the dinner table together. American Bandstand made its debut while Elvis Presley recorded numerous hits, and the introduction of the Frisbee and Tonka Trucks became the delight of children everywhere. It was a time centered on family and hope. Nowhere was their greater hope than in the hearts and home of Edward and Bea (Smith) Swanson as they welcomed their firstborn son, Russell, to their family on November 29 in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Russ's early years were spent growing up in Crescent, Oklahoma. His father was a traffic engineer, and his mother raised the children and managed the home. Over time, the family moved around Oklahoma and later to Sioux City, Iowa, where Russ attended North High School. Russ was a very smart young man with a tight group of friends and was active in drama, debate, and choir. He sang bass in choir, played banjo, and enjoyed participating in several musicals.

After graduating from high school in 1976, Russ attended Iowa State for a couple of years before deciding to enter the work world. He worked for Iowa State in the print department for a while before eventually becoming a Toyota gold-certified technician. Russ worked for Kool Toyota as a mechanic and service advisor for twenty years, eventually becoming the manager of the Parts and Service Department. He later worked in sales for Kool, as well as Mr. E Liquid and then Spectrum Cable in retention sales. He loved working at his last two places because he could be around young people.

Russ had the good fortune of being introduced to Katy Sweet by his sister, Sue. She and Katy attended Grand Valley State University together and were good friends. Russ and Katy began dating, fell in love, and began making plans for the future. In October of 1982, the couple married, and Russ welcomed Katy's son Patrick into his heart and family. After celebrating their marriage with a honeymoon in Colorado, the newlyweds returned to West Michigan and moved to Grand Rapids.

In 1983, Russ and Katy welcomed their son Tim, and in 1987, their son Dan completed the family. Russ was a fun dad who enjoyed every moment with his boys. Very social and well-liked for his work managing the service department, Russ's skills helped him win reward trips, including a cruise in the Bahamas. Although Russ and Katy's marriage would end in 1998, they remained friends and continued to work together raising the boys.

Russ enjoyed a very active social life filled with many friends and connections. He was an active member of Central Christian Church, where he sang in the choir and served on committees. He especially enjoyed participating in the church's booth at the Festival of the Arts and even entering a parade.

A man who found joy in many things, Russ enjoyed playing Euchre, singing, listening to music, and tending a fish aquarium for a time. Classic Rock was his favorite, especially the classic songs of Steely Dan, The Beatles, Queen, and Led Zepplin. Tuesday nights were often spent listening to WLAV's Two for Tuesday, followed by watching NYPD Blue with his son, Tim. While playing Spades online, he met Judith Collins, who lived in Calgary, Canada, with her young son, David. In 2000, Russ took his boys on a road trip to Calgary to see Judith and David. Soon after, the couple married, and Russ welcomed the opportunity to help raise David.

Holidays were always a special time. On Thanksgiving, Russ always made the turkey with a Santa Claus hat on, meticulously basting it every twenty minutes. Come Christmas; the entire family went tree shopping. As everyone got a vote on the tree, it took a long time for the family to agree and make their final purchase. Though he and Judith would later divorce, Russ' love for his family and gratitude for such good memories never wavered.

In time, Russ developed a passion for baking. He would complete his four-day workweek and bake for the next three days. With signature intensity, he chose complicated recipes, researched their science, and worked to perfect his techniques. On Friday nights, he would make homemade pizzas.

For eight years, Russ's son Dan and his family lived with Russ. These years afforded Russ treasured time together. He shared special relationships with Lucas, whom he called his wingman, and Lily, who had Russ wrapped around her finger. Russ also shared the comforts of a committed relationship with his good friend Shelly, whom he had met when she was the accompanist for his church choir.

In 2023, Russ began experiencing some back pain. A scan eventually showed spots on his spine. In June of 2023, he lost the use of his legs. Though a tumor was discovered and eventually removed, infections became a constant issue. Despite his health challenges, Russ maintained his jovial nature and kept up a fighting spirit, arriving at doctor appointments in his wheelchair with his Bluetooth speaker playing classic rock tunes. Sadly, the infections became too much for his body to recover from.

Though our days with him were far too few, every memory we made with Russ is a gift we will long treasure. May we find much comfort in these wonderful memories and the honor of carrying his legacy of love, laughter, and good times forward. In each moment we greet a stranger as a friend, choose hope over fear, give our gifts in service to others, share homemade baked delights, or sing with abandon, we celebrate the countless ways Russ made the world a better place. In this way, we keep his joyful spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Mr. Russell Allen Swanson age 66, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on November 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bea Smith; father, Edward Swanson; step-mother, Barb Swanson; brother-in-law, Jeff McClaran; niece, Amber Niland. Russ is survived by his sons, Tim (Samantha) Swanson, Dan Swanson, Patrick (Cortni) Swanson and David Collins; and grandchildren, Nataleigh, Drayton, Lucas and Lily, Also surviving are his sisters, Sue (Richard) Helderop, Dee (David) Abel and Celina McClaran; step brothers, Mark (Lisa) Swanson and Mike (Kelly) Martinson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Please join us for a Celebration Reception where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 2-4 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to American Cancer Society. Celebrate Russ’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.heritagelifestory.com