Ralph Kenneth Swanson

Ralph K. Swanson, age 100 of Wahoo, died Monday, January 29, 2024 in Wahoo. He was born July 24, 1923 in Wahoo to Benjamin and Hildur (Hanson) Swanson. Ralph attended Mead schools and graduated from Mead High School on May 22, 1941. He then drove a bus for Mead schools until entering the United States Navy February 4, 1943 and served until March 26, 1946. While serving his country, Ralph was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with star, and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon returning home, Ralph married Bonnie Jean Swanson on April 29, 1947. He worked for the City of Wahoo at the Power Plant for 25 years, then as a carpenter for the University of Nebraska in the Mead area. Ralph then worked for Wahoo Public Schools as a janitor in the elementary school, and ultimately retired from the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph office in Wahoo. Ralph was a 56-year member of Wahoo VFW Post #4502, and was a Master Mason for 70 years. He was the Jordan Medal holder at Wahoo Lodge #59 A.F & A.M. which is awarded to the Mason with the longest continuous membership in his local lodge.

He is survived by his son Kenneth (Jean) Swanson; daughter Barbara (Jim) Witte; grandchildren Jason (Nicole) Swanson, Kenneth Swanson, Andrew (Chastity) Swanson, Angela (Brett) Heckens, Karen (Greg) Roberg; great-grandchildren Kaden Swanson, Addison Swanson, Macy Swanson, Samantha Swanson, Payton Swanson, Zackary Swanson, Kaleb Heckens, Karissa (Cameron) Miller, Lindsey (Caleb) Sandall, Kailey Roberg; brother Ben Swanson, Jr.; sisters-in-law Gloria (allen) Cejka, Dorothy Klink, Verna Swanson; brother-in-law Larry Swanson; nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Bonnie; daughter Susan Lynne Swanson; brothers Warren Swanson and Dale Swanson; and great-grandson Christian Andrew Swanson.

Funeral services will be at 2 pm Friday, February 2 at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment with Military Funeral Honors will be at Sunrise Cemetery. A Masonic Funeral Service will follow the funeral at the church.