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.
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.
Doug and Julie Fett says
Our sympathies to all of you. Nels was in Doug’s class at Cosmos HS. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
tom wall says
Sorry to hear of Nels passing, may he RIP.
Mark Schreiner says
Eric and family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Valerie J. Thomas says
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.
Jean Nies says
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.
Claire Woelfel says
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
C Duke says
I knew Nels long ago when he and his mom attended the church in Corvuso where daddy pastored.
Margaret Davis says
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.
Bobbi Jo Toy says
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
Patty Lokensgard says
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
Terry & Kathy Froemming says
Vicki, Eric and Colleen,
So sorry to hear of Nels passing. Keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy(Peterson)Stueber says
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.
Trudi Coleman says
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).
Susan (Gary) Navratil says
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
Karen Miller says
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
Tina McMillan says
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.
Margie Nelsen says
Vicki and family,
So sorry for your loss. His obituary portrays him as a fun loving person.
Deepest Sympathies