Sanford E. Swanson

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STILLMAN VALLEY – Sanford E. Swanson, 94, of Stillman Valley, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019 in his home. Born July 15, 1924, in Stillman Valley, the son of Carl and Ellen (Linn) Swanson. 

He attended Stillman Valley High School. Sanford married Shirley Widergren in 1949. She predeceased him in 1982. He married Helen Edwards later in life. Sanford was a dairy and agricultural farmer most of his life. Sanford attended church faithfully with his family, was a member of Valley Covenant Church in Stillman Valley for 50 years. Later he attended First Free Church and most recently Stonebridge Church. Sanford enjoyed collecting antiques, the outdoors, attending auctions and farm sales. He was active in the farming community. Sanford liked working with his hands and loved spending time with his granchildren

Survived by his children, Marjorie (Robert) Dressler of Florida, Sandra (Jerry) Kissinger, Cheryl (Mike Keller) Gulbrand, and Bradley (Beth Anne) Swanson; grandchildren, Carol (Dan) Ivanov, Chad Gonzales, Joshua (Tracie) Kissinger, Justin (Cristy) Kissinger, Jaime (Jay) Braffett, Jill Kissinger, Rekha Gulbrand, Scott (Amber) Swanson, Jacob (Mindy) Swanson, Jonathan Lang, and Jeremy Lang; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, John Swanson; and sister, Carolyn Setterstrom. 

Also predeceased by his parents; and five brothers, Wilbur, Ronald, Marvin, Irving, and Burdette Swanson.  Special thanks to: Transitions Hospice nurses, Aaron, Lacy, and Susan and the wonderful CNAs.

Memorial Services was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019 at Stonebridge Church, 7281 Olde Creek Rd., Rockford with Reverend Scott Nesse officiating. Private burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Stonebridge Church, First Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107, Transitions Hospice – Rockford, 3010 Forest View Rd., Rockford, IL 61109 or Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.