In Loving Memory of Arleigh Keith “Ned” Swanson, Jr.
February 13, 1963 – August 18, 2026
Arleigh Keith Swanson, Jr., affectionately known as “Ned,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at the University of Iowa Hospital at the age of 63.
Ned was born February 13, 1963, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, the youngest of four children born to Arleigh and Barbara Swanson.
Ned spent much of his childhood on his parents’ dairy farm in Blanchardville, Wisconsin—a place that shaped his life and one he would always lovingly refer to simply as “Home.”
He often reminisced about growing up on the farm and the wonderful neighbors and friends who made those years so special. He fondly remembered the Moens, Hermansons, Barnes, Sutherlands, Zeals, and many others, along with school friends Randy Syftestad, Pat Thomas, Billy Zidema, and Jackie Lageson, college friend John Harder, Sally Peterson, Peggy Raab and the many friendships he made throughout his life.
Ned had a warmth, kindness, and friendly sense of humor that naturally drew people to him. He genuinely cared about others, and wherever life took him, he had a wonderful ability to make friends and create relationships that lasted.
One of Ned’s greatest passions was fishing. An avid and accomplished fisherman, he participated in professional fishing tournaments and spent countless happy hours fishing the waters of Castle Rock Lake and the Mississippi River. Whether competing or simply enjoying a peaceful day on the water, fishing brought Ned tremendous happiness and created many memories and friendships along the way.
Ned is survived by his loving brother, Mark Swanson of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and sister, Vicki Swanson Hoesly of Lancaster, Wisconsin, along with extended family and the many friends whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arleigh Keith Swanson, Sr.; his mother, Barbara Swanson; and his sister, Sonya Swanson Wilhelmson.
Ned will be remembered for his caring heart, his humor, his love of fishing, the friendships he treasured, and his lifelong affection for the farm and community he always called Home.
At Ned’s request, no public service or celebration of life will be held. Instead, his family encourages those who knew and loved him to honor Ned’s memory in a way that would have meant the most to him: spend time with the people you love, share some laughter, enjoy the outdoors, and above all, live with kindness in your heart—just as Ned did every day.
Rest peacefully, Ned. You were deeply loved, you will be greatly missed, and you will never be forgotten.