John "Coach" Swanson

John â€œCoachâ€ Swanson, age 81, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at North Lake Manor in Storm Lake. John Richard Swanson was born March 3, 1932 in Red Oak, Iowa to parents John H. and Victoria (England) Swanson. Growing up, John attended school in Red Oak. He graduated high school from Alta High School in Alta, Iowa in 1949. John continued his education at Buena Vista College, where he earned his Bachelorâ€™s Degree. John then earned his Masterâ€™s Degree at Drake University. On August 12, 1951 John was united in marriage to Darline Carlson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta, Iowa. Together they were blessed with four children: Deborah, Sandra, Cheryl, and Jon. On September 3, 1952 John enlisted into the United States Army. He served his country during the Korean Conflict with the Field Artillery until he was honorably discharged on June 5, 1954. John was a dedicated husband, father, and coach. Coach Swanson spent many years at Storm Lake High School where he was a guidance counselor, teacher, and coach. He loved traveling, spending time with his family, and was active in the community as a founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Storm Lake, Iowa. He was inducted into the Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and was honored to coach in a Shrine Bowl game. John was passionate about Cursillo, S.O.D.A., and Dollars for Scholars. He was also a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Those left to cherish his memory include his four children: Deborah (Bruce) Richardson of Storm Lake, Iowa; Sandra (Paul) Benson of West Bend, Wisconsin; Cheryl (Dave) Simon of Des Moines, Iowa; Jon Swanson of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren: Jeremy (Andrea) Richardson of Meridian, Idaho; Jennifer (Paul) Magnussen of Storm Lake, Iowa; Matthew (Megan) Richardson of Storm Lake, Iowa; Katie (Josh) Lindgren of Marathon, Iowa; Jessica (Nick) Gumm of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Carl Benson and fiancÃ© Jillian of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Andrea Benson of West Bend, Wisconsin; Austin, Josh, Anna Simon all of Des Moines, Iowa; Kylie Swanson of Primghar, Iowa; great grandchildren: Rylan and Braxton Richardson of Meridian, Idaho; Alli and Tyler Magnussen of Storm Lake, Iowa; Luke, Cole, and Emma Richardson of Storm Lake, Iowa; Colton and Levi Lindgren of Marathon, Iowa; brother, Don Swanson; niece, Angie (Chris) Archacki; nephew, Steven Swanson; extended family and friends. John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Darline Swanson; parents, John and Vickie Swanson; brothers, Robert and James, sister-in-law Sandie Swanson; niece, Tracy Mork.

John "Coach" Swanson

March 3, 1932 - October 22, 2013