Charles Swanson

Charles E. Swanson, age 72 of Faribault, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, surrounded by his family at his home, following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault. Interment will be held at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to services.

Charles Eugene, the son of Orval and Marion (Caron) Swanson, was born on June 2, 1943 in Faribault. He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the Class of 1961. Following high school, Chuck served in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, Chuck began taking classes to become an auto mechanic at the Austin Community College. On August 8, 1964 he was united in marriage to Luana Hanek at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault. As a young boy Chuck would begin working with his father and grandfather at their family service station, Swanson's Sinclair, and would do this for 26 years. During that time Chuck also worked full time at National Can in West St. Paul, MN as a Skilled Printer for 22 years. In retirement Chuck worked at various businesses in Faribault including Harry Brown's and Wal-Mart and also kept himself busy as a handy man doing odd jobs for people. For over 50 years Chuck served as Santa for several different businesses and families around the Community of Faribault. Family was very important to Chuck and he loved them all deeply. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren at all of their activities. Chuck also enjoyed playing cards, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 889 and the American Legion Post 43, both in Faribault and was a former member of the Faribault Sertoma Club, the Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles and served on many boards and parents organizations while their children attended school.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Luana Swanson of Faribault; by his six children, Lisa (Patrick) Fuller of Faribault, Greg Swanson of Faribault, Chrystal Simek of Warsaw, Tyler Swanson of Faribault, Tim (Angela) Swanson of Faribault and Anne (Dustin) Dienst of Faribault; by 16 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 6 great grandsons; by his sister, Sharon (Jack) Cruikshank of Faribault; by his sister-in-law, Sharon (Bob) Sens of Mankato and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Daniel Swanson and by his son-in-law, John Simek.