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Nels Swanson

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Service Information

Nels Swanson, age 69, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at his home in Hutchinson.

A Small Service for Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment at a later date in Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel.

Visitation/Gathering
Dobratz-Hantge Chapel
899 Highway 15 South
Hutchinson, MN
Website:hantge.com
View Map
Service
Dobratz-Hantge Chapel
899 Highway 15 South
Hutchinson, MN
Website:hantge.com
View Map
Funeral Chapel
Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel
899 Highway 15 South
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone:(320) 587-2128
View Map
Cemetery
Litchfield (Ripley) Cemetery
Hwy. 22
Litchfield, MN
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Obituary

Nels Brynolf Allen Swanson was born in Litchfield, Minnesota, on February 14, 1954, to Edwin and Elsie (Kotila) Swanson, and grew up on the family farm north of Corvuso, Minnesota. He was the youngest of eight children. Nels graduated from Cosmos High School in 1972

Nels married Vicki Navratil at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota, on November 8, 1975. They were married for 47 years and had two children, Eric and Colleen.

Nels worked as a commercial/industrial plumber most of his life, the majority of that with Local 15 out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was proud to have his Master Plumbers license and served as foreman for many projects – schools, waste water treatment plants, manufacturing facilities – throughout the state. He retired at 59.

Nels was kind, generous, and fiercely loyal. He was also private, determined, and stubborn at times. Nels could be found many summer days swimming and fishing off the pontoon with his grandsons, or giving rides on the garden tractor. He loved the color red; prided himself on always getting a good deal; and had rediscovered his love of riding motorcycle and went “touring” almost every week, weather permitting, with a friend. His Harley was bright yellow. Nels also loved to travel – both near and far. He and Vicki took more that 30 cruises, his favorites Alaska and Hawaii. He revisited both this past year.

Nels had a heart-attack in mid-December, which was followed by quadruple bypass surgery two weeks prior to his passing.

Nels is survived by his:
Wife, Vicki Swanson;
Children, Eric Swanson and his wife, Stephanie,
Colleen Swanson Willy and her husband, Gerald;
Grandsons, Kyle Andersen and Nathaniel Willy;
Mother-in-law, Charlotte Navratil and her significant other, Alan Moore;
Siblings, Grace Kaping, John Swanson and his wife, Jane, Miriam Rahn, and Margaret Davis;
Sisters-in-law, Linda Webb and her husband, Richard, Sandra Carlson, and Donna Swanson;
Many Nieces and Nephews.

Nels is preceded in death by his Parents, Edwin and Elsie Swanson; Siblings, Edwin Swanson and his wife, Myrta, Donald Swanson and his wife, Lynette, and Raymond Swanson; Brothers-in-law, Frank Kaping, David Rahn, and Glen Carlson; Father-in-law, Francis Navratil.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Doug and Julie Fett says

    February 20, 2023 at 4:54 pm

    Our sympathies to all of you. Nels was in Doug’s class at Cosmos HS. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  2. tom wall says

    February 20, 2023 at 6:10 pm

    Sorry to hear of Nels passing, may he RIP.

    Reply
  3. Mark Schreiner says

    February 20, 2023 at 6:20 pm

    Eric and family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

    Reply
  4. Valerie J. Thomas says

    February 21, 2023 at 3:08 am

    My sympathies to Nel’s wife, son & daughter. I only met Nel once, but he was an “old friend” of my husband Dale. When Nel would pass through Cosmos on one of his motorcycle rides, if Dale was outside, he always stopped to visit. Sometimes they were long visits! I lost Dale a little over a year ago. Perhaps now they can continue their visits & take a ride together on the big highway in the sky! May he rest in peace. God bless.

    Reply
  5. Jean Nies says

    February 21, 2023 at 8:34 am

    Vicki, I’m at a loss to find the words to express my sympathy to you and your family. I’m so saddened and shocked to hear of Nel’s passing. Peace and prayers of comfort for you.

    Reply
  6. Claire Woelfel says

    February 21, 2023 at 10:58 am

    I am sorry to hear of the loss of Nels. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
    My sincere sympathy,
    Claire Woelfel

    Reply
  7. C Duke says

    February 21, 2023 at 12:29 pm

    I knew Nels long ago when he and his mom attended the church in Corvuso where daddy pastored.

    Reply
  8. Margaret Davis says

    February 21, 2023 at 2:09 pm

    Nels was golden. He was the very breath of me. Honest, intelligent, a fiercely loving person. He did not let go of your hand. He was a hard worker, making every t crossed and every i dotted. He did not judge. You felt safe in his opinion whatever he offered you.
    When you were alone, in his presence you felt very safe and assured of a place you could trust.

    Reply
  9. Bobbi Jo Toy says

    February 21, 2023 at 7:46 pm

    Vicki and family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Cousin Nels was one of a kind and I have many fond memories of him growing up. He was such a hard worker and so much fun! Always teasing and adventurous. Sending love from Wisconsin. Your Aunt Wilma sends her love, too. Bobbi Jo

    Reply
  10. Patty Lokensgard says

    February 22, 2023 at 12:17 pm

    Vicki and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Nel’s passing. Our deepest sympathies for you and your family.
    Love,
    Brian and Patty Lokensgard

    Reply
  11. Terry & Kathy Froemming says

    February 22, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    Vicki, Eric and Colleen,

    So sorry to hear of Nels passing. Keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  12. Kathy(Peterson)Stueber says

    February 22, 2023 at 4:39 pm

    Vickie,
    I am so sorry to hear of Nels’s passing. Not sure if you remember me from the 4-Hdays; but my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    Reply
  13. Trudi Coleman says

    February 23, 2023 at 1:41 pm

    Dear Swanson family,

    My heart goes out to you at this difficult time with the unexpected passing of your beloved, Nels.
    Although our paths did not cross very often, I feel the connection through my father, Arne, and
    my Aunt Elsie. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Your cousin
    Trudi Ann Coleman (Kotila).

    Reply
  14. Susan (Gary) Navratil says

    February 24, 2023 at 6:25 pm

    Vicki and Family:
    So sorry to hear about your loss of Nels. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Susan (Gary) Navratil
    Jenifer (Jim) Navratil-Skjerven

    Reply
  15. Karen Miller says

    February 25, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    My deepest sympathy for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you and I pray for peace in your hearts.
    Sending hugs and love
    Karen Miller

    Reply
  16. Tina McMillan says

    February 27, 2023 at 2:19 pm

    Oh Vicki I am so sorry to hear of Nels passing away. Hugs to you and your family. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

    Reply
  17. Margie Nelsen says

    February 27, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    Vicki and family,
    So sorry for your loss. His obituary portrays him as a fun loving person.
    Deepest Sympathies

    Reply

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