Gary Ray Swenson was born on August 25, 1949 to Elmer and Pauline (Stolz) Swenson in Harlan, Iowa. He attended grade school in the Irwin-Kirkman Elementary Schools and graduated from Irwin-Kirkman High School with the class of 1967.
On August 19, 1972, Gary was united in marriage to Nancy Rasmussen at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Two children were born to this union: Matthew and Amanda.
After his marriage, he farmed with his dad and brother Randy. He also worked for Ahrenholtz & Sons in Defiance. He later worked at Harlan Builders, G.A. Finley, and Reilly’s Construction. He so enjoyed working and was very good doing his job on his bulldozer. He retired in 2001.
Gary thoroughly enjoyed doing activities with his family. Loved hunting with his grandchildren and was so very proud of teaching them how to be responsible with his firearms. He loved to camp, fish, trap and his favorite hobby was reloading. He loved to be with his family and truly loved the Lord.
Gary passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022 attaining the age of seventy-three years, three months, and twenty-three days. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Randy, sisters Joyce, Jeannie, and Zeta, brothers-in-law John and Kenneth.
He is survived by his children Matt Swenson (fiancé Amber DeLuca) of Harlan, IA; Amanda McCarthy (Rusty Jordan) of Walnut, IA; 5 grandchildren Ashtyn McCarthy, Ayden McCarthy, Sarah Swenson, Vincent DeLuca, Paul DeLuca; sister Jolene Hass of Loveland, CO; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
Visitation is Wednesday, December 28 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral home in Harlan, Iowa.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
