Wallace Swanson

Wallace Wally' Odean Swanson, 63, Grand Forks, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks after a lengthy battle with cancer. Wally was born October 13, 1949, to Evelyn (Midstokke) Swanson and Carnell Swanson of Larimore ND. He was baptized and confirmed at Elm Grove Lutheran Church, McCanna. He attended grade school at Moraine Township rural school and graduated from Larimore High School. He also attended classes at Wahpeton Tech School. Wally was united in marriage to Mary Warner of Hatton, ND, in 1970. Their marriage was blessed with four beautiful children. They farmed with his family west of Larimore. Besides farming, Wally also had worked for a number of employers, including the YMCA, TransSystems, Benson Construction, and Sears. When his health failed, he moved to Grand Forks, where he continued to reside until his death. He is survived by his mother Evelyn, sisters Karen (Robert) Slusher, Fargo; Ruth (Allan) Peterson, Niagara; Cindy (Bruce) Gustavson, Larimore; daughters Kimmie Swanson, Fargo ND; Jeannie Northburg, Hatton; son Jeremy (Laurie) Swanson, Alexandria MN; grandchildren Makayla Northburg, Hatton; Kellan and Kolby Swanson, Alexandria; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Carnell, brother Wayne Swanson, and infant daughter Amber. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks. A special thank you to all of the wonderful people at Altru Cancer Center and Altru Hospital - especially the Urgent Care and ICU doctors and caregivers who showed us all so much love and compassion. A special thank you also to Pastor Renee' Macleod for helping us through this difficult time.