Donald D. Swanson

Donald D. Swanson, 78, of Hastings, and formerly of Red Wing, passed away November 18th, 2010, at the Minneapolis Veteran Administration Medical Center. Don was born on November 14th, 1932, to Clarence and Margaret (Goldsmith) Swanson in Red Wing, Minnesota. He proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Whiteside as an electrician mate. Don was a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion and the DAV.On January 30th, 1954, Don married Betty Anderson in Red Wing and later was blessed with five children: Donald, Barbara, Brenda, Derald, and Bonita. Don was an employee of 3M and worked at their Cottage Grove location for 33 years retiring in 1993. Don was an active member of the Masonic Lodge #7 in Hastings for 47 years. He was a P.M. and was presented with the Hiram Award in 2003. He was also a member of the Osman Shrine. Don enjoyed collecting Red Wing Pottery and was a 31 year member of the Red Wing Collector's Society. In addition, he was an avid outdoorsman.Don is preceded in death by his son: Derald and his parents. Don will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years: Betty; children: Donald, Barbara, Brenda, and Bonita; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister: Lorraine, other relatives and many good friends. Memorial Service will be Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 at 11am at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 615 Vermillion Street, Hastings. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the start of service at the Church. Following the service there will be a luncheon at the church and then a graveside memorial service at Burnside Cemetery in Red Wing with Military honors.