BYRON – Raymond L. Swanson, lifelong Byron resident, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 in Generations at Neighbors, Byron. Born Sept. 18, 1939 in Belvidere, the son of Clifford and Dorothy (Gorst) Swanson.
Married to Linda Peters July 20, 1957 in Dubuque, Iowa. He was employed 40 years at Barber-Coleman in Rockford before retiring in 1990 and was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Rockford. Ray enjoyed hunting and trapping and fishing and was a hero to his family.
Survived by his wife of over 61 years, Linda Swanson of Byron; son, Mark (Trudy) Swanson of Byron; daughters, Melinda (Jim) Wiles of Leaf River and Annette (Kelly) Riffle of Byron; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents, 2 grandchildren, a great grandchild, and brothers, Edwin and Ron.
Funeral services were held at noon Friday, Jan. 25 in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Byron preceded by a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Mark Swanson of Berean Baptist Church, Rockford officiated. Burial in North Grove Christian Cemetery, Leaf River. A memorial fund is established.
