Harris "Swanie" Swan

In Loving Memory Of

Harris “Swanie” Swan

Harris ”Swanie” Allan Swan, 89, of Fulda, MN, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024 at the Murray County Hospice House in Slayton, MN. The son of John and Olga (Nyquist) Swan, he was born on February 28,1935, in Lake Sarah Township, Murray County near Slayton, MN, and was baptized on April 14,1935.  Swanie attended grade school in District 66, Lowville Township.  He was confirmed on April 10, 1949.  Swanie attended Slayton High School, graduating in 1953.  After graduation, he stayed home and farmed near Hadley, MN, after the death of his father.  On October 10, 1954, he and Delores Dass of Fulda, MN, were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda.  They continued farming near Hadley for one year before moving to Fulda.  Swanie then worked for Firestone Retread in Worthington, MN, for a year before attending Diesel School in Chicago, IL. He returned to work in Fulda at the John Deere Dealership as a diesel mechanic for 10 ½ years.  In August of 1966, he began working as custodian at Fulda High School. In 1972, he became Head of Maintenance, retiring on August 15, 2000.  He often said what he missed most after retiring was seeing the kids at school every day.  In retirement, he stayed busy working part-time at Country Pride, read natural gas meters in Slayton for 4 years and delivered church bulletins to Maple Lawn, Maplewood Court, Mapleview Estates and to shut-ins. He also served on multiple church boards with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Swanie and his wife Dee also served as Youth Counselors for the Walther League Youth Group.  Swanie became a member of the Fulda Fire Department in January of 1960 and was named Fire Chief in 1978. He served as chief until he retired from the department in January 2003.  He also served as President of the Murray County Mutual Aid Association. Swanie assisted Totzke Funeral Home for many years; he also served on the Prairie Hill Cemetery Board until April of 2023.  He enjoyed working outdoors and going on Bank VIP trips.  Swanie loved spending time with his family; he had a great sense of humor and loved having fun with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include their 3 children Vicki (Bob) Sandhurst of Fulda, MN, Randy Swan of Lime Creek, MN, and Michael (JoEtte) Swan of Marshall, MN.  Seven grandchildren, Kelli (Brent) McConahey, Kari (Nick) Koos, Kimberly Sandhurst and fiancé (Craig Martin), Karly Medill, Katy Swan, Jordan Swan and Rachel (Blake) Jouwstra; 8 great-grandchildren, Milanna, Anica, Jackson and Ethan Koos, Harley and Blake McConahey, Rhys Medill, Neil Jouwstra; Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lorraine (Loren) Van Oort of South Bend IN, Jeanette (Alan) Greenfield of Fulda, MN, nieces, nephews and their families.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Dee, his parents, John and Olga Swan, infant sister Betty Jane and his sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and George Meyer.

Funeral Services

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Fulda, MN at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 with Rev. Shawn Ethridge officiating.  The organist is Loretta Gehl. The pallbearers are his grandchildren. Interment at Prairie Hill Cemetery Fulda, MN.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 6 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements.

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