Mark L. Swanson

Memorial Services for Mark L. Swanson will be conducted from the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Kenton Birtell officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Mark Lynn Swanson, 55 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at his home in Holdrege following a courageous battle with cancer. Mark was born October 4, 1956 at McCook, Nebraska, the youngest of two sons born to Donald L. and Verna E. (Turner) Swanson. He received his education from Holdrege Public Schools. Following his education, Mark began his working career, following his dream to be a Cowboy. He was employed by several feedlots and ranches in the area throughout the years, and enjoyed his years at the Holdrege Vet Clinic for 14 years. He was also employed by the State of Nebraska as a Brand Inspector prior to his health declining.

On April 29, 1978, he was united in marriage to Sandy L. Johnson and to this union two sons were born: Jeff and Cody.

Mark was a true Cowboy by heart and trade. He had a special gift to be able to handle livestock like no other. He loved to rodeo, especially enjoyed traveling and competing in bull riding in his earlier years and team roping in his later years. He had a special place in his heart for children, especially his grandchildren. He will be remembered by many for his giving heart, he was the type of guy that would give the shirt right off his back to his friends in need. He also enjoyed following NASCAR and most of all loved the time spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Verna on May 21, 2010; his grandparents; uncles and aunts: Dorothy Swanson in infancy, Howard and Flo Swanson, Warren Swanson, Rod Swanson, Everett Hodge, LaVern and Lois Ernst, Harlan Lilyhorn Jr. and several cousins.

Mark leaves to mourn his passing his two sons: Jeff Swanson and his wife, Sarah of Minden, Nebraska and Cody Swanson of Holdrege; his father, Donald L. Swanson of Holdrege; two grandchildren: Hannah and Chase Swanson; brother, Stuart Swanson and his special friend, Karen Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; aunts and uncles: Norma and Bob Hock, Mary Louise Lilyhorn, Margaret Hodge, Rose Ann Swanson all of Holdrege, Mary Swanson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial book signing will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date.

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

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