Ishpeming- Gordon Bernard Swanberg, age 84 of 627 Duncan Ave. in Ishpeming, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2008 under the care of his family and Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Gordon was born December 20, 1923 in Ishpeming Michigan, a son of the late August and Hulda (Persson) Swanberg. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1941 and married Helen Polini on July 17, 1948 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Negaunee.

Gordon served in the United States Army Signal Corps during WWII in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He worked for the Michigan Bell Telephone company for over 35 years, retiring in 1977 as a manager. Following his retirement he worked for several years as a foreman for the Pajala & Maki Construction Company.

Gordon was president of the Ishpeming-Negaunee Sports Federation in 1957. He was a long time member of the Ishpeming Kiwanis Club and Vasa Lodge having served as president of each. He was a planning commissioner on City of Ishpeming Planning Commission in 1970 and was a life member of the AT&T Pioneers. Gordon spent many hours doing volunteer work for the Bay Cliff Health Camp. He was a fisherman and a builder. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his camp on the Dead River Basin. He liked to help others and treasured the friendships he made throughout his life; in the Army, while working in the telephone and construction industries, and during retirement when he was active in church, his high school class and volunteer activities.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 59 years: Helen, 3 sons: John Swanberg of Baytown, TX, Bill Swanberg of Ishpeming, Scott (Jesslyn) Swanberg of Ishpeming, and a daughter: Carol (John) McHugh of West Bend, WI, 6 grandchildren: Craig (Amy), Caralee, Angela, Nathan, Peter and Matt, and a step-great-granddaughter Cloe, along with several nieces and nephews. Gordon is preceded in death by a brother Bill Swanberg, and sisters: Viola DeGabriele, and Verna Chinn.

Family will greet friends and relatives from 11:00AM until 12:30PM on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30PM. Rev. Fr. Jim Challancin and Rev. Fr. Greg Heikkala will con-celebrate the Mass. Pallbearers will be Gordon's nephews.
A luncheon will follow the service in the parish hall. Inurnment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice in Gordon's memory.