Clifford L. Swanson

A funeral service for Clifford Swanson will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Kenton Birtell officiating. Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery, at Holdrege, with Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Clifford Lester Swanson, 90 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney, Nebraska. Cliff was born on February 7, 1934, in Holdrege, the ninth of eleven children born to Phillip and Sophia (Helmers) Swanson. He attended school in Holdrege and graduated from Holdrege High School in 1952. As a senior in high school, Cliff was the first athlete to run a sub-5-minute mile at the state track meet.

On March 17, 1956, Cliff was united in marriage to Margaret P. Remmels in Greeley, Colorado. To this union three children were born: Michael, Brenda, and Mark. On June 11, 1956, Cliff was inducted into the United States Army and was stationed in Mainz, Germany as an artilleryman. He was honorably discharged on June 5, 1958, and returned to Holdrege to work as a journeyman electrician for Holdrege Electric.

Cliff was an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and attended several Holdrege athletic events. He loved spending time with his family especially the Sunday afternoons when his grandchildren would come over. Cliff was a lifelong member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege and was very active especially serving as head usher until his health declined. He was a member of the American Legion, serving on the color guard and commander for several years.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Swanson in 2011; two great-grandchildren: Brock Nelson, and Amanda Swanson; along with three sisters and seven brothers.

He is survived by his children: Michael Swanson of Thorton, Colorado; Brenda Nelson of Grand Island, Nebraska; Mark Swanson and his wife, Marni of Overland Park, Kansas; six grandchildren: Megan Davis and her husband, Ryan; Brandon Nelson and his fiancée, Sara; Brooke Encinger and her husband, Jeremy; Brodrick Nelson and his significant other, Leah; Chad Swanson; and Bret Swanson and his wife, Maddie; seven great-grandchildren: Jordan, Jazlyn, Kynlee, and Emma Encinger; Myles and Nash Nelson; Brooklynn Davis; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will not be a visitation the evening prior to the service.

Memorials in Cliff's honor are suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.