D. Duane Swanson
July 1, 1926 — March 26, 2016
D. Duane Swanson
(D’Orsey) Duane Swanson of Mankato, MN, aged 89, passed from this life on Saturday March 26, 2016, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at Cottagewood Senior Communities. He is now gathered with all the Saints of Heaven in the loving arms of his Lord Jesus Christ. He was the locally celebrated founder of Ginny May Donuts, which he started with his loving wife, Virginia “Ginny May”.
Visitation will be held from 4:30 – 7:00 pm, Tuesday, March 29 at Northview North Mankato Mortuary with a prayer service at 6:45 pm led by Pastor Mike Omtvedt of Hosanna Lutheran Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Reverend Tim Reker officiating. Rosary will begin at 9:30 am with visitation from 10:00 am until the start of Mass. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Duane was born on July 1, 1926 in Mankato to Carl and Mary (Sanger) Swanson. During WWII, Duane enlisted into the United States Army. He began his service on October 4, 1944 and earned the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal prior to his honorable discharge on July 21, 1946. On May 8, 1948 he was united in marriage to his beloved, Virginia “Ginny May” Weingartz at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. He did carpentry work for his father’s company, Carl E. Swanson and Sons, and was a baker and cake decorator at Johnson’s Bake Shop. Duane received a Certificate of Baking at Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis. He also worked at Continental Can Company for 25 years and held various offices in the IAM local Mankato union.
Duane was a loving husband and father who treasured traveling with Ginny and their children. Duane and Ginny enjoyed dancing at the Kato Ballroom, playing cards, fishing and enjoying the lake with friends and extended family. Duane loved helping his church and donated to multiple charities.
Duane is survived by his children, Cheryl (Greg) Marks, Stephen (Tammy) Swanson, Francie (Jerry) Drake, Kevin (Jody) Swanson, Dale (Brandy) Swanson, Patricia Swanson, and Brian (Keisha) Swanson; grandchildren, Paul (Janelle) Marks, Jennifer (Bj) Wallingford, Kate (Sam) Holton, Jon Marks, Tom (Melissa) Swanson, Dawn (Emmett) Nelson, Rob (Paige) Swanson, Beth Sterling, Chris (Laurie) Drake, Cory (Heidi) Drake, April (Chris) Stover, Matthew (Sheila) Swanson, Andrew (Francisco Castro) Swanson, Jared (Julie) Swanson, Jeremy (Laura) Swanson, Joshua Swanson, David Miller, Cynthia (Adam Ames) Miller, Scott (Jenna) Miller, Theresa (Darren) Wels, Daniel Miller, Keith (Amanda) Swanson, Alex (Amanda) Swanson, Carl (Becca) Swanson; many great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, JoAnn (Wayne) Cordle and Irene Weingartz; and several nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ginny in 2015; grandson, Michael Swanson; great-grandson, Damien Holton; siblings, Charlotte Reichel, Delores Davis, Donald Swanson, Charles Swanson, Eugene Swanson, and Georgia McCall.
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