Gail Edward Swanson

Gail Edward Swanson passed away in the arms of his wife of 68 years, Lois, on December 7, 2019 at the La Salle Veteran's Home in La Salle, Illinois.

He was escorted out in a ceremony for "Fallen Comrades" with chimes, flags, and flowers. The veterans and staff at attention and saluting.

Gail was born in Tailholt on October 25, 1929 the son of Lora Bernice Dale and Clarence Swanson following in his parents and sister's footsteps he attended Red School. He graduated from Manlius High School with the Class of 1947.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Korean War. He was a proud marine Staff Sergeant, as a radio man for the tank battalion. Gail was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 stars, the United Nations Korean, the National Defense Service, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service 50th, Good Conduct and Expert medals in both rifle and pistol.

Gail worked for  ASC Office, Manlius Grain Co., Bureau Service and Ag View FS. He enjoyed babysitting his children and grandchildren. He loved tinkering in his workshop as well as spending time with family and friends.

He married Lois Marie Middleton and she survives. They were the parents of 2 daughters: Kathy Jo (Ronnie) Johnson of Princeton and Lora Lee Ryan of Plainfield, IL, as well as 3 granddaughters: Kara Lee (Aaron) West of Mt. Prospect, Megan Gail (Todd) Madsen of Plainfield, and Kacee Lynn (Nicolas) Poxson of Centerton, Arkansas,; in addition 3 lovable great-grandchildren: Thomas and Mitchel Madsen and Jackson Gail West.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in law, John Ryan,  his sister and brother-in law, Elva and Glenn Wright, and one nephew, Ronald Wright.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Princeton, Illinois. Burial will take place in Manlius Cemetery, Manlius, Illinois with military rites accorded.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am  Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Princeton prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to Manlius Cemetery Association, Epidermolysis Bullosa Foundation, or the La Salle Veteran's Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.