Leonard C Swanson

Funeral services for Leonard C. Swanson will be held on 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Christian Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Pastor Lonn Sassman officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2012 at Walker Funeral Home, Gillette, WY.Mr.. Swanson, age 80, died June 14, 2012 at Campbell County Hospice House following a series of strokes.Leonard C. Swanson was born December 13, 1931 in Gillette, Wyoming the son of Otto and Dora (Robbins) Swanson. He attended rural schools in northern Campbell County and graduated from Campbell County High School in 1950. During his youth, Leonard was active in 4-H and FFA attending National Junior Leadership camps in Minetonka, Michigan and National 4-H Congress in Chicago, Illinois in 1950. After graduation, due to the failing health of his father Leonard took over running the family dairy farm south of Gillette.June 16, 1951 Leonard married Merna Jo Kintz, his high school sweetheart, of Lawver, Wyoming. To this union five sons were born. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson celebrated their 60 year anniversary in 2011.Over the years, Leonard transformed the dairy into a sheep and cattle ranch then added hogs and chickens. The eggs were marked as Swanson Eggs in the local grocery stores for about six years. In the fall Leonard usually worked construction jobs around town until the snow got deep and winter feeding began. In 1972 he was baptized and joined the First Christian Church and served as a Deacon for many years. Having a desire to grow tall corn and green alfalfa, the Swanson's purchased a small irrigated farm near Nisland, South Dakota in 1984. This was not a profitable venture but Leonard enjoyed his irrigated farm. Running two farms 120 miles apart was too much work and the farm in Nisland was sold. Leonard worked the farm south of Gillette until his death.Throughout his farming career Leonard was very active in the Farm Bureau organization. As a young man, he won a speaking contest at the state level and was awarded a trip to the National Farm Bureau Convention in Miami, Florida to represent the state of Wyoming in the national contest. In 1997 Mr. Swanson was awarded the Wyoming Farm Bureau Leadership Award.During the 1960's Mr. Swanson fought to save the rural school districts and also worked hard to bring modern telephone service to rural Campbell County. From 1993 1999, he served on the Campbell County Planning Commission. He also was a member of the Farmers Coop Board and served as a 4-H and Boy Scout leader.Mr. Swanson enjoyed traveling, building , woodworking, dancing, woodworking, and family activities. He was especially fond of hosting threshing bees and hot dog roasts.Leonard is survived by his wife, Merna of Gillette, WY; four sons, Gerald Swanson of Wheatland, WY; Wyoming; Ronald and Robert Swanson of Gillette, WY; Eric Swanson of Brookings, SD; thirteen grandchildren; sister, Irene Gould of Fredrick, CO.He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Swanson and one granddaughter.Memorials and condolences may be sent in Leonard's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY. Condolences may also be sent via the internet at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com. Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716