Alfred Lee Swanson, 66, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 25, 2014, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bonnie Jill Swanson; son Michael Todd Swanson (Tina); grandsons, Erik and Todd Swanson; sisters, Peggy Luallen (Jerry), and Pat Ruiz (Ken); and numerous nephews and nieces.
Swanson was born in Kewanee, Ill., and was the son of the late Claire and Beulah Swanson. He was a graduate of Weathersfield High School and Western Illinois University. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he proudly wore the coveted uniform of a Green Beret.
After being honorably discharged, Swanson served as a police officer in Rushville, Ill., and then worked in Rock Island, Ill., as Program Administrator for Alternatives for Detention for Juveniles.
In 1981, he moved his family to Vero Beach where he could enjoy watching sports, fishing, boating and golf. These things he did when he was not cheering on his beloved Cubs, Bears or Bulls. Upon moving to Vero, he began working as an Investigator for the Department of Children and Families for the State of Florida. His dedication and tenderness toward his clients led him to eventually become the Administrator for DCF in Indian River County. He finally retired after 28 years of service in Indian River County.
Swanson’s favorite saying was “don’t get in the sinking boat alone.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Council of Indian River County Transportation Fund, 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
The family will receive friends 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a Life Celebration Service beginning at 2 p.m. VFW Post 3918 will provide military honors. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The Swanson family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful VNA/Hospice organization for their compassion and assistance provided and also Kano, Sony, Elira, Nick, and Todd from Nurses Touch for the patient and loving care to Swanson during his last days.
