John Swanson

John Erick Swanson was born April 24, 1953, in Missoula, MT, to Gordon E. Swanson and Ina M. Swanson. Our beloved brother and uncle, John, passed at age 71 on April 13, 2025, in Missoula. John attended Emma Dickinson and Lewis & Clark Grade Schools and graduated from Sentinel High School in 1971.

John began a long career in 1974 at the United States Postal Service, starting as a Mail Handler and then, for many years, was a Carrier for multiple business and residential routes in Missoula. John took great pride in his mail route, forming genuine connections with his customers and making many life long friends. John especially loved animals and made sure to greet and befriend each dog on his route, always carrying treats. John worked over 39 years at the Post Office, retiring in 2014.

John was truly one of the kindest and most thoughtful people you could ever meet. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. John loved his family and placed family first, always volunteering and present to help, but rarely asking for help in return. After retiring, John worked daily to help his parents to maintain and remain in their home. He enjoyed a special bond with his mother, Ina. We will miss John at family gatherings, his joyful goofiness, his laughter, and are grateful for the time we had with him.

John enjoyed a special and unique relationship with a group of friends, the Wednesday Night Group. The group has gathered for beverages and dinner, rarely missing a week (Covid closures) for almost 50 years. The Wednesday Night friends and gatherings were a priority for John and provided him with the best friends anyone could ever ask for.

John had a deep love for music, especially classic rock. He knew current and oldies rock artists. He especially loved drums. In high school, John was the self-taught drummer for a band he and a group of buddies formed. Playing drums brought joy as he continued to play late in his life.

John took great pride in his home—his maternal grandparents’ home—maintaining his yard, apple trees, and the flowers his grandparents planted. He loved his family’s Flathead Lake cabin and spent a great deal of time there, enjoying water activities and helping with maintenance.

John was an active member of Orchard Homes Country Life Club (chartered under President Teddy Roosevelt and the last of its kind) and served as President. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and held offices in Vasa Order of America, Tegner No. 224 (a Swedish cultural organization).

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon E. Swanson, and his mother, Ina M. Swanson. He is survived by his sister, Linnea Kahler (Roger); sister, Cheryl Galipeau Lucas (Rick), all of Missoula; nieces, Stacey Richards (Blake) of Missoula; Rebecca Austin (Ryan) of Shelby, MT; Lindsey Keeley (Kevin) of Missoula; Amy Galipeau of Missoula; and great nieces and nephews, Kayler Austin, Ali Austin, Colt Austin, Beau Richards, Brock Richards, Evren Keeley; his good friends, the Wednesday Night Group; and his special cousins and Aunt Jean.

A family burial has already taken place, and a memorial service to honor John’s life will be held on June 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 830 South Ave W, Missoula. All who knew and loved him are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missoula Humane Society, 5930 U.S. Hwy 93 S, Missoula, MT 59804.