Harlan A. Swanson

Harlan Arthur Swanson, age 94, of Hastings, passed away on December 13, 2020. Born on June 13, 1926 to Arthur and Myrtle Swanson, he grew up on a farm in Cannon Falls Township with his 3 brothers Wallace, Ellis and Roger. Harlan enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served in the occupation of Japan force in WWII. He met and married Glennis Anderson on May 13, 1950. They lived in Cannon Falls and he began working for Minnesota Telephone. As a cable splicer he used his GI Bill acquired pilot’s license to work in many small towns in Northern Minnesota. In 1962 they moved to Hastings where Harlan worked for Pioneer Telephone and then UTS. He represented the phone company as a member of the Kiwanis Club. He retired as a life-long telephone company employee in 1985. Harlan was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Cannon Falls. In retirement Harlan and Glennis traveled around the United States and spent 23 years wintering in Arizona. Harlan enjoyed fishing, card club, dancing, traveling and spending time with friends. He was a man with a quiet faith in God and a deep love of family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Glennis; brother, Wallace; son, Steven; and great-grandson, Thatcher. Harlan is survived by son, Michael (Barbara); grandchildren, Anthony (Alessandra), Lindsey (Braden), Adam (Renae), Justin (Sara), Jay; and great-grandchildren, Sadie, Leylia and Harlee. Due to COVID-19 a private family memorial service will take place at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. When it is safe to do so a celebration of Harlan's life will be held. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. The service will be livestreamed on our Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel Facebook page on Tuesday, December 22, at 11:00 am.