Andrew "Andy" Swanson

Andrew “Andy” Swanson, 74, of New London, died Sunday, September 20 at CentraCare Rice Hospital in Willmar. His funeral service will be 11:00 am, Thursday, September 24 at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday at Johnson Funeral Home in New London. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Spicer City Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available on the church's Facebook page. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London.  

Andrew “Andy” E. Swanson was born July 18, 1952, to Andrew A. and Velma (Wittman) Swanson in Olivia, Minnesota. He grew up in Willmar, where he attended school and graduated from Willmar High School in 1970.

On October 21, 1971, Andy married Bev Greenwell in South Dakota. They were blessed with two children, Carrie and Andy M. The family made their home in Willmar. Andy and Bev later divorced.

Following the death of his father in 1973, Andy took over the family welding business, Swanson’s Welding, in Willmar. He owned and operated the business until 1991. That same year, Andy began what he considered his dream career as an investment broker. Throughout his career, he worked with several companies and most recently worked with OSAIC.

On August 29, 1987, Andy married Connie Christenson in Willmar. They were blessed with two children, Alex and Brooke. The family made their home on Henderson Lake near Spicer before moving to New London in 2003.

Andy enjoyed fishing, golfing, watching sports, and, most of all, telling stories. He always seemed to have a story or joke to share and could often be found visiting and laughing with the people he loved.

Andy is survived by his wife, Connie of New London; children, Carrie Gronli of Oakdale, Andy M. (Holly) Swanson of Big Lake, Alex (Miranda) Swanson of Duluth, and Brooke Swanson of Bloomington; grandchildren, Mitchell, Austin, Matthew, Alicia, Ella, Andy D., and Nate; step-grandchildren, Lia, Anna, and Emma; and many nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew A. and Velma; son-in-law, Barry Gronli; sister, Ruth (Gary) Sherwood; and half-brother, Jim Bauman.

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