Larry Dean Swanson, 87, of McGregor, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.
Larry was born on July 17, 1938, in Independence, to Bert Swanson and Irene (Pittman) Swanson. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls in 1956. After high school, he began building a career as an electrician working for the University of Northern Iowa, John Deere and Hawkeye Community College where he was fondly known as “Sparky.” Larry dedicated himself to this trade throughout his life and was a licensed journeyman electrician.
On Aug. 14, 1960, Larry was united in marriage with Marilyn Hamilton at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. Together, they raised three daughters: Katie, Amy and Jennifer.
Larry was an active member of the Masonic lodges in Cedar Falls and Elkader, where he faithfully served as chaplain in both chapters. He was also a member of the North East Iowa Shriners, and served on the board at First Congregational in McGregor. His strong sense of service and putting others before himself made him invaluable in these roles.
Larry enjoyed the outdoors. Some of his hobbies included hunting and fishing. He belonged to the University of Northern Iowa bowling league and later the Hawkeye Community College Golf Team. Larry was a longtime fan of the races at Tunis Speedway in Cedar Falls and an avid NASCAR fan.
A skilled craftsman of many talents, Larry took pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. His most enjoyable talent was restoring vehicles (mostly Fords). On weekends he would “make his rounds” checking out junkyards and car lots looking for a new project or diamond in the rough. In an interview with a local paper, Larry recounted a story about purchasing his first car, a 1931 Model A, at the age of 14 with his paper route money. Unable to drive, he started in on the project. He spoke of how he dismantled the fenders of the car and ruined them. Disappointed by his work, he never finished his first project and sold the car. Larry fondly recalled restoring a 1946 Ford convertible from little more than a shell, bringing it back to original condition through careful work on the engine, body, paint and tuck-and-roll upholstery. Though it became something special to the family, he later sold it—something he remembered with a touch of regret—while balancing two full-time jobs and needing a van for work. Once finished, Larry would take his restored project to car shows. Larry was particularly fond of his 1937 Ford street rod that he would drive to Minnesota for his annual pilgrimage with good friends for “Back to the Fifties.”
Larry enjoyed being a good steward to the land and was the caretaker of the family farm. He enjoyed feeding and watching a wide variety of wildlife from the windows of his home.
Above all, Larry loved his family and his pets. He will be remembered for his generosity, craftsmanship and quiet dedication to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Larry is survived by his wife, Marilyn Swanson; his daughters, Katie (Kevin) Lind of McGregor, Amy (Patrick) O’Regan of Decorah, and Jennifer (Fran) Liddiard of Elgin; his grandchildren, Clayton Lind, Caleb (Tehya) Lind, Molly Bruene, Brian (Cassie) O’Regan, Noah Liddiard and Kaitlin Liddiard; his great-grandchildren, Hayes Bruene and Pryor Lind; sister-in-law, Rosiva Swanson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Irene Swanson; his sister, Joy Howard; and his brother, Eugene Swanson.
A visitation and funeral service were held on May 1, at First Congregational Church in McGregor, with Rev. William Gentry II as the officiant. Inurnment took place at East Side Cemetery in Elkader.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in McGregor is assisting the family with services.
