Ernest L. “Ernie” Swanson

WAYNE — Ernest L. “Ernie” Swanson, 91, Wayne, died July 2, 2020, at Kinship Pointe Assisted Living, Wayne.

Visitation was Sunday at the church, and continued one hour prior to services Monday. Face masks preferred for the visitation and the funeral.

Funeral Services were July 6 at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Concord, with Pastor Deb Valentine officiating.

Burial was in the Concord Cemetery, with military rites by Laurel VFW Posts 5404 and 54.

Pallbearers were Brit Swanson, Scott Scholl, Hunter Swanson, Parker Swanson, Will Swanson, and Regg Ward.

Honorary pallbearers were Ernest’s granddaughters.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

Ernie was born Dec. 17, 1928, in Wakefield. He grew up on a crop/livestock farm north of Wayne with his mother and father, Clara (Goldberg) and Pande Emil Swanson, sister, Ardyce. He attended Cozy Nest country school, graduating from Concord High School in 1947. Ernie joined the Army in 1951, serving in the Korean War.

In 1948, while attending a skating party in Laurel, Ernie spotted Lyla Paulsen as she was “six inches above the other girls.” He courted her for several years, and they were engaged before he shipped off to Korea. The wedding was planned by mail, and took place at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Coleridge, June 19, 1952, while he was on Army leave. Their first home was in San Luis Obispo, Calif., where he was stationed. Following the war, Ernie started farming and feeding cattle at the home place, which has now been in the family 117 years. Ernie and Lyla started their family when their oldest son, Regg, was born in July 1953, followed by Ann in September 1954. Lon was born eight years later in September 1962. It was important for him to provide the best life he could for his family, so he humbly worked extremely hard and passed that quality on to his children.

Ernie was very active in the community and respected by all with whom he came into contact. He was baptized and confirmed in Concordia Lutheran Church and served on numerous boards and committees. He retired from farming in 1994, and he and Lyla operated a Bed and Breakfast in Wayne for another 15 years. Ernie loved flowers and plants, maintaining his pristine yard and greenhouse. He especially enjoyed spending time with and following his nine grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. He was a loving father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. His faith, love for his family, and smile will live on in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lyla, Wayne; three children, Regg (Adora) Swanson, Nolensville, Tenn.; Ann (Steve) Scholl, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; and Lon (Becky) Swanson, Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren Casey (Jay) Gruber, Brit Swanson (fiancé, Melissa Minger) Lisa 23 No. 12 Hartington, Cedar C Scholl (fiancé, Eric Stroud), Eve (Jefferson) Adcock, Scott Scholl, Blakely Swanson, Hunter Swanson (fiancé, Lauren Freking), Parker Swanson, and Will Swanson, as well as five great-grandchildren, Miles and Charlotte Gruber, Tyler, Holt, and Adelaide Adcock; a sister, Ardyce Johnson, Laurel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Evert Johnson; and grandson, Andrew Scholl.