Ishpeming – Edwall M."Swan-E" Swanson, age 67 of 1005 Cooper Lake Rd., Ishpeming Twp. passed away on Friday May 2, 2008 at the Marquette General Hospital where he had been a patient since this past Wednesday. He had been battling cancer since January.


Edwall was born May 7, 1940 the son of the late Carl and Florence (Hallgren) Swanson. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1960. He married Judy Coduti on Oct 27, 1962 at St. Pius X Church in Ishpeming. Ed had worked for Louis Dubinsky doing odd jobs at the Style Shop and around his home. He went on to work for Trebilcock's Greenhouse, working on the coal truck, and then at the Ford Garage doing detailing work. Following this he worked at Spear & Sons Lumber during the day as a delivery truck driver and at the Tracy Mine on midnight shift, for a period of six years. He then worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. at the Empire Mine where he was a production truck driver. He retired from the Tilden Mine in 2002 following 31+ years with Cliffs.


He was a lifelong area resident and part of the Faith Lutheran Church. Edwall loved his grandsons Philip and Travis, or whom he affectionately referred to as "Axel" and "Snus", always enjoying their visits and watching their sporting events. He was a member of the Pulling Together Horse Club of Aurora, WI, and enjoyed collecting draft horse memorabilia, along with attending horse pulls, auctions, shows and sales. Edwall always cherished being outdoors, especially when it came to cutting wood with his chain saw and helping his son with various projects. ED was a skilled craftsman, carving many signs, making chains, birdhouses and various other projects out of wood. He always kept busy with his gardening, and woodcutting but would take the time to sit on the porch and enjoy a cup of coffee. He loved listening to and watching a good thunderstorm. Ed loved good food and enjoying it with friends and family. Ed was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and he will be missed by his family and friends. Ed was always willing to give of his time and talents.


Survivors include his wife Judy Swanson of Ishpeming, a daughter Kathy (Allen) Solka of Ishpeming, a son Jeffrey (Kathy) Swanson of Ishpeming, 2 grandsons – Philip and Travis Swanson of Ishpeming; 2 sisters – Anita Henrickson of Austin, MN and Harriet (Robert) Maki of Ishpeming, a brother Hartley (Joyce) Swanson of Grand Rapids, MI, a sister-in-law Nancy Swanson of Ishpeming, several nieces, nephews and friends, along with his 5 granddogs – Shiloh, Maija, Lacey, Mollie and Lucy and 3 grandcats – Dewey, Maggie and Baxter. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Florence Bietila, and 3 brothers – Bobby, Warren and Jack "Rit" Swanson.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Tuesday May 6, 2008 at the Faith Lutheran Church. A Memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday at the Faith Lutheran Church with the Rev. Virginia Eggert to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall.


Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Argall, James DeRocha, Roger Dowrick, Tim Swanson, Robert Maki, Johnny Marcotte and Bob Arkins.