Don "Swannie" C. Swanson

Donald “aka Donnie or Swannie” Clarence Swanson, 94, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of family. Donnie was born November 3, 1930, in Goodhue, MN to Bennett and Frances (Bremer) Swanson. They moved to Red Wing when he was 9, and he graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1948. Swannie married Virginia “Ginger” Isensee on February 10, 1951. They were inseparable until she passed away Thanksgiving morning 1999, apart from Swannie’s time overseas serving in the Army during the Korean War 1952-53. He worked at Quandt’s Bakery, later known as Pirius Bakery, until serving in the Army. Upon his return, he worked as a mail carrier at the Red Wing Post Office. He later found his life-long career, driving motor coach at Lee Line for 62 years, traveling all states except Hawaii. He was proud to travel with the St. Olaf Choir over 25 of those years. Baseball was his game. He was a left-handed pitcher, playing for the Red Wing Scarlets and Aces and the Bay City Bombers in the 50’s & 60’s (including pitching the first game played under lights at the Ath) and was inducted into the Red Wing Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. He and Ginger enjoyed traveling together, escorting tours and spending time on the river on their boat, the ‘Ginger Snap’. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 54, and VFW Post 1218. In 2022, he was honored to travel to Washington D.C. with fellow veterans through Honor Flight Twin Cities and also raised the flag at a Twins Game at Target Field. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and particularly enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie in his morning Randy’s coffee group and ‘Old Farts’ Wiederholt’s group.

 Swannie is survived by daughters Susan (Jerry) Jensen and Kim (John) Key; 4 grandchildren, Jamie (Brad) Anthony, Kristi (Matt) Schonrock, Justin Key, Jason (Kayla) Key; 5 great-grandchildren, Madelyn Anthony, and Mason, Karter, Kody, and McKoy Schonrock. Swannie is preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings Harley (Beverly) Swanson and Elaine (Maynard) Adams.

 A memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with visitation from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. prior to the service at church. Burial will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors.