Visitation: Visitation with family present will be Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: His memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Faith Baptist Fellowship. Interment services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
Roger W. Swanson, age 71, passed away at his home near Canton to be with his precious Lord and Savior Thursday, July 28, 2011. His memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Faith Baptist Fellowship in Sioux Falls at 57th and Minnesota Ave. Interment services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present will be Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Roger W. Swanson was born August 31, 1939 in Sioux Falls, SD to Albin and Linnea (Johnson) Swanson of Canton. He attended Dayton #3 Country School and Canton High School, graduating in 1957. He then attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis and Sioux Falls College, graduating with a B. A. degree in 1963. Roger taught in Sioux Falls for four years and sold life and health insurance for Washington National Life Insurance for a number of years, before obtaining his real estate license in 1972. He sold real estate for several local firms for the past 39 years. They include: Rathje Realty, Gray Realty, Century 21 Ben Lammers, Century 21 GKR-Lammers, Coldwell Banker Dunham, Coldwell Banker GKR, and Coldwell Banker Select in Sioux Falls. He also owned his own firm, Swanson Company, Realtors. He was currently working with the real estate company in Sioux Falls. Roger was an active member of First Assembly of God and faithfully attended Faith Baptist Fellowship. He wrote a book called “How to Keep Your Faith When Losing Everything Else,” which emphasized the importance that the Word of God and the music of God played in his life.
Roger married Roselyn Nelson on September 2, 1967.
He married Joyce Rowe on April 11, 1998. They made their home on part of the Swanson Homestead north of Canton.
Grateful for having shared his life are: his wife, Joyce; daughters- Melissa (Bruce) Spurling, Austin, AR, Monique’ (Mathew) Carpenter, Conway, AR, and Gretchen (Matthew) Fjerkenstad, Sioux Falls; son, Joshua (Tatyana) Swanson, Anchorage, AK; 5 grandchildren; and two brothers, A. J. (Sally) Swanson and Ronnie (Phyllis) Swanson all of Canton. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew, and his parents, Albin and Linnea.
Dear Joyce and family, I was so shocked to hear of Rogers passing.Just greeted him in church on sunday..He was a very super special man.Loved it when he would sing and play the piano,especially at our singsperations at Faith Baptist. He always had a smile for everyone.Altho I didn’t know him on a real personal basis he was a very special person,just the auora he put out.You knew how much he loved the Lord.You could see it in his face.He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Rogers family.
So Sorry to hear about your Loss. Roger was an Inspiration to everyone around him and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time.
Joyce and family, I was so sad to hear the news of Roger’s passing. We are thinking about you and keeping you close in our prayers in this difficult time. Jason & Jennifer
Joyce and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Roger always had a smile to share; he was very personable and welcoming. I thank God for the privilege of learning healthier life choices during our time together. May God’s love envelop you at this time… and now Roger knows what we here long for… being in God’s presence and being fully alive! His joy, yet our sorrow for the time being. In His love and regard, Sue
So sorry to hear of the passing of Roger. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. He is no longer bound by a wheelchair but is walking on streets of gold.
Dear Joyce and Family: I am so sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. I have enjoyed getting to know Roger over the years both professionally and personally. He was always such a nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Jason
My dear brother I know that you are basking in the Woderful Presence of the Lord! I will always remember your Courage (that of a LIon), your Perseverance (that of a Badger), and your kind heart and warm friendship! It was my pleasure to serve with you on the Board of KSCB TV.
Joyce, Ron, Arvid and families, Roger was far to young to leave us but we have the clear assurance he is in a far better place without pain and suffering. I saw Roger for a few minutes last Fall before I returned to Florida. He learned how to smile through the pain and had the same smile on his face that he had for the 60+ years that I knew him. I know his absence will be felt by all of you and I pray that our Lord will comfort you during this difficult time. Jim
Dear Swanson Family, Roger and I communicated via e-mail more than in person, sharing information on the genealogy of the Swanson family. I know he loved exploring the family history and had pride in his heritage and family. May God surround you with His peace and may yours and the prayers of others carry you through this difficult time.
Hello Joyce and family, I of course did not know Roger like his family, but, the times I did visit with him at the office, he appeared to have a zest for life depite some of the challenges he may have dealt with. His disposition was very sweet and always ready to visit or answer any questions I had whether we talked about the market, living a healthy life style or how the Lord had blessed him. Joyce, the two of you were a great team. I know he will be missed by many. I know I will miss seeing him as well. You both were and continue to be an insperation to me. God Speed. Love Jean Bates
Joyce and family – we are saddened to hear about Roger’s death. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Roger was a very gracious, gentle, loving and talented man who dearly loved his family and our Lord. May you find consolation in knowing he is resting forever in his Savior’s loving arms.
To the entire Swanson Family; My family sends you our condolences and hope that his Rogers loving memory will get you through these tough days ahead. I have fun memories of him growing up with Matthew and Melissa, and the Ron’s family. He loved all of his children very much and always was very proud of them. He played the piano with such grace and passion and played to the Lord always! Even although distance has kept me from being there in person my prayers will still be said for your family.
Roger you will be soley miss my me and everyone eles you were going be best relator I ever had you always try your best to found the right house for me I l love ❤️ you so much flying high with the angels