by Michael Swanson Obituary, Death – Michael Swanson, who was 81 years old at the time of his death, passed away on July 14, 2021 at his home in Urbandale, Iowa, surrounded by his family. On Monday, July 19, a visitation will be held at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and a rosary service will be performed at 7:00 PM. At 10:30 in the morning on Tuesday, July 20, a funeral service will be performed at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. The next day, Tuesday, July 19. After the funeral, the burial will take place at the Fairview Cemetery in Madrid, Iowa.
On August 1, 1939, Michael Swanson Grgrurich, the son of Loren Swanson and Eva Grgrurich, was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He spent his childhood in Madrid, Iowa. When he was a young boy, he spent his summers helping out on the family farm. When he was in high school, he delivered newspapers and worked at a grocery store in Madrid called Perrier’s. In 1957, he received his diploma from Madrid High School. For the age of 18, he began working at Armstrong Tire Company, where he remained until his retirement in 1994. After that, he had a job at Benchwarmers on the side. He was a diligent worker who put in a lot of effort. Between the years of 1961 and 1967, he was a member of the Iowa National Guard before receiving an honorable discharge.
In April of 1964, he wed the woman who would become his wife, Diane, and the couple went on to have four children, all of whom were brought up in Ankeny, Iowa. Michael was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking his sons dirt biking, and overseeing the athletic endeavors of all of his children. After the birth of his grandchildren, he enjoyed being with them more than anything else, including participating in all of their activities and providing babysitting services. He was a particular “Geeps” with a lot of love to give. He took pleasure in going around town to see his children and friends, as well as playing cards, watching sports, and watching The Andy Griffith Show.
His allegiances lied with the New England Patriots and the Iowa State Cyclones, respectively. In 2019, he relocated to the Senior Suites located in Urbandale. He had fun with the games, and he made some really great friends among the staff and other players. Up to the moment he passed away, he took complete pleasure in the time he spent there. His parents, his baby brother Timothy, his sister Patty, and his first grandchild Logan all passed away before Michael. Michael is the only survivor of his immediate family.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann (Curt) Smoldt; grandkids, Samuel, Megan, and Jonathan; daughter, Lisa (Matt) Cullins; grandkid, Katelyn; son, Christopher Swanson; son, John (Julie) Swanson; grandkids, Stephanie and Michael; and three nieces and cousins. Michael also leaves behind a legacy of music.
