Gordon E. Swanson

Gordon E. Swanson, 94, of Missoula passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at his home. He was born November 23, 1921, in Garrison, MT to John E. Swanson and Johanne M. Gerdts Swanson. The family moved to Missoula where Gordon was raised in the Rattlesnake valley. He attended Prescott Grade School, Missoula County High School (Hellgate High School), and graduated in 1943 from Montana State University (University of Montana), with a B.A. in Sociology and Economics, and a minor in Foreign Languages.

Gordon enlisted in the service August 21, 1943. He trained in Texas and was assigned to the 99th Infantry Division, Heavy Weapons Company. His Division arrived in Liverpool, England, traveled to South Hampton, and from La Harve, France worked east. He was captured December 18, 1944, the second day of the Battle of the Bulge and became a POW of Germany. As a POW, Gordon marched, was trucked, and rode boxcars to various camps; the last camp, near Bremen, was overrun by a British-Scottish Regiment April 28, 1945. The POWs were taken to the American sector and placed in American hands, arriving in the United States in May. Gordon was discharged from the Army December 5, 1945 at Camp Roberts, California. Gordon was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge and POW Medal.

After returning from the war, Gordon resumed working with the Missoula Mercantile Company as Assistant Manager of the Shoe Department and Men's Department. He met Ina M. Ranstrom during an Immanuel Lutheran Church Luther League outing and they married August 12, 1951. Ina and his children; John Erick (1953), Linnea (1956), and Cheryl (1961) brought him much joy and fulfillment. Together, Gordon and Ina enjoyed 64 wonderful years of marriage and family.

Gordon enjoyed and was very proud of a long, 43+ year career, at The Missoula Mercantile Company, The Bon, and Macy's. His career at the Merc began in 1941 during his college years. He worked as a Sales Clerk, managed many departments, and retired as Department Sales Manager. He retired from The Bon, (purchased from the Missoula Mercantile Company in 1959) April 1984. He returned part time after retirement to work for The Bon and Macy's. He made many life-long friends at the store.

Gordon was a Scout, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity member, served on the planning committee for the three major bridges across the Clark Fork River, was President of the Orchard Homes Country Life Club (chartered under President Teddy Roosevelt and the last of its kind), served on Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, held offices in Vasa Order of America (Swedish cultural organization), and Kiwanis Golden K.

Gordon enjoyed gardening, woodworking, photography, and fishing, but mostly friends and family, especially at area lakes. He and his brother's family began lake living in a shared-cabin venture at Holland Lake. About ten years later, Gordon and Ina purchased Flathead Lake property. This Flathead Lake cabin with an amazing view, became his favorite place to enjoy family and friends. It became our family's favorite place. Along with fun and laughter, he enjoyed drafting and working on cabin projects. Gordon, a natural teacher, engaged each child to learn and help. His work ethic was defined early in life with paper routes, haying, and even frying potato chips for the Mount Jumbo Potato Chip Company in Missoula. Setting a goal each day was important, as witnessed throughout his life. He taught his children and grandchildren the love of family, perseverance, respect, and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his father, John; his mother, Johanne; his brother, Norman; and Winifred Court. He is survived by his loving wife, Ina; son John (Buddy); daughter, Linnea Kahler (Roger); daughter, Cheryl Galipeau all of Missoula; granddaughters, Stacey Richards (Blake) of Missoula, Rebecca Austin (Ryan) of Shelby, MT, Lindsey Galipeau (Kevin) of Bozeman, MT, Amy Galipeau (Peter) of Missoula; and great grandchildren, Kayler Austin, Ali Austin, and Beau Richards; and his brother's wife Jean, of Sun City, Arizona.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner officiating. A private burial has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Gordon's name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 830 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801, or to assist Veteran's organizations or a service organization of your choice.

Read Gordon Swanson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.