Virgil L. Swanson

Virgil L. Swanson, 96, of New London, died Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.  Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2019 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Louriston Township. 

Virgil LeVoy Swanson was born on December 25, 1922 in Roseau, the son of Lloyd and Bertha (Magnuson) Swanson.  He grew up in Louriston Township in Chippewa County and attended country grade school in District #36.  He entered the US Marines on February 3, 1944, where he served his country in the South Pacific Theatre during WW II.  He was honorably discharged on May 13, 1946, and returned home.    On October 7, 1955, Virgil was united in marriage to Marlene Barney at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City.  To this union two sons and two daughters were born.  They made their home in Louriston Township, moving to Eden Valley in 1967 where they owned and operated a gas station.  They moved to New London in 1973 where Virgil worked as a mechanic and foreman for Duininck Brothers Construction. Virgil and Marlene were able to share in 59 years of marriage before her death on March 17, 2015.  

Virgil was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and the New London American Legion.  He enjoyed rebuilding cars, going for walks, fishing and helping friends and family.  

He is survived by his children, Michael Swanson of New London, Michele (Mark) Elhardt of Bismarck, ND and Melissa (Todd) Skalbeck of Willmar; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; son, Sheldon and siblings, Ruby, Kenneth, Hartley, Dale and Margaret.

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