Arlyn “Bud” Swanson, age 83 of Almena, WI, formerly of Ellsworth, WI, died Friday, November 29, 2019 surrounded by his family at his home. Arlyn was born April 7, 1936 in Red Wing, MN to Raymond and Mabel (Scritchfield) Swanson. Bud attended Lindgren Grade School, and graduated from Ellsworth High School, with the Class of 1954. He was united in marriage to Janice Leonard on September 16, 1955. Their marriage was blessed with five children, David, Lynn, Darrell, Leann and Dean. Bud worked various jobs in his earlier years, but ended his working career with the Pierce County Highway Department, retiring in 1998. After retirement, Bud and Jan moved to Lower Turtle Lake in Turtle Lake, WI.
Bud enjoyed playing baseball for several years with the Bay City Bombers. He enjoyed being outdoors in the woods hunting, on the lake and streams fishing, and loved his time duck hunting with his favorite retriever “Nugget.” Bud was a devoted Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan, and delighted in cheering on his Wisconsin teams. Bud and Jan each had their own mopeds, and usually put on about 1,000 miles each year. They cherished their travels together, taking 9 camper trips driving to Alaska to salmon fish and spend time with their beloved family. They were fortunate to share many winter trips to Louisiana and Mississippi. They cherished their time volunteering at the sandhill crane refuge, and helping with camp host duties at the State park campgrounds several winters, while ending up wintering in Arizona making many new friends throughout those years.
Bud will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 64 years, Janice; children, David (Ching) Swanson of North Pole, AK, Lynn Cynor of Owen, WI, Darrell (Gwen) Swanson of Ellsworth, and Leann (Brad) Gutting of Ellsworth; 10 grandchildren: Jimmy, Michael, Gina, Angela, Carl, Tina, Sara, Holly, Ashley, and Brady; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Connie Rieck of Ellsworth; 1 nephew and 3 nieces; along with many other relatives and dear friends. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; and his son, Dean.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, December 13, 2019 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant St., Ellsworth. Honoring Bud’s love of Wisconsin sports, the family welcomes you to wear your best Packers, Badgers, and Brewers attire. In Bud’s memory, memorials are preferred.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
