A. Orville Swanson

A. Orville Swanson, 92, longtime Port Wing resident, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009 in Superior at St. Francis Home in the Park. He was born on April 20, 1916 in Port Wing to A. Oscar and Lilly (Anderson) Swanson.
He and his wife owned and operated the Willow Creek Farm in Port Wing.
Orville married Helen E. Swanson on August 5, 1939 in Port Wing and celebrated sixty-nine years of marriage.
He was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Port Wing where he was on the church council and served as a board member. He enjoyed the outdoors whether it was hunting or four-wheeling. He loved to bake, especially biscuits and homemade bread. His favorite thing to do was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Helen, Orville is survived by three daughters, Ann Marie (Bob) Johnson, Superior, Sandra (Laurie) Rasimaki, Port Wing, WI, Glenda (Jim) Koski, Memphis, TN; one son, Jim (Marcia) Swanson, Port Wing, WI; thirteen grandchildren, Stuart Johnson, Superior, David (Michelle) Johnson, Farmington, MN, Chad (Denelle) Johnson, Superior, Cory (Stephanie) Johnson, Superior, Brenda (David) Hughes, Aurora, MN, Tracy (Kevin) Lott, Superior, Loren (Melissa) Koski, Hattiesburg, MS, Jason Koski, Memphis, TN, Steve Koski, Memphis, TN, Howard (Mandy) Wade, Winthrop Harbor, IL, Stacy (Bob Olson) Burgau, Ellsworth, WI, Bev (Bob) Tapani, Oulu, WI and Dana (Darren McClure) Belcher, Superior; twenty-one great-grandchildren, one niece, Cookie and several nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jerome Swanson in 1996; one sister Lorraine Browne and one brother Ralph Swanson.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 11, 2009 until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service at the First Lutheran Church in Port Wing, WI. Pastor Nancy Hanson will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Port Wing.
Pallbearers for the service will be Orville's grandchildren and honorary pallbearers will be Orville's great-grandchildren.
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.