Loran “Dallas” Swanson, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 5, 1929 to parents Loren and Beth (Moore) Swanson in their small farmhouse outside of Hemingford, Neb. Dallas’ sense of humor was known by all whose life he touched. He often told a story of how “he was born on a dark stormy night with a lightning-filled sky while home alone with his Dad.” He was raised on the farm with his siblings Beverly (Delsing) and Jack. He rode his pony to country school and graduated from Hemingford High School in 1946.
On September 19, 1950 Dallas was united in holy matrimony to Dorothy Maiefski at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Hemingford and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He served his country from 1951 to 1953 as a Supply Sargent in the 8th Army during the Korean War. After his service, Dallas returned to Hemingford and the farming and ranching life, working hard and loving his family. He was a member of the American Legion Post #9, the Elks, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and served on the rural school board. Dallas spent 21 years driving the school bus for Hemingford Public Schools and continues to be adored by so many students he transported over the years. Dallas’ greatest enjoyments in life were his family and friends, especially years of fishing, boating, camping and story-telling with lifelong friends, George and Evelyn Vorovka.
Dallas is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Hemingford, his children Deborah (Brian) Grant of Alliance, Danette Hudson, David (Rhonda) Swanson, Daniel (Nancy) Swanson of Hemingford, and Dianne (Mike) DeBerard of Golden, Colo.; brother Jack (Patsy) Swanson; grandchildren – Nathan, Kelly (Larsen) and Justin Grant; Tara, Tanya (Martens), Jeff and Jenilee (Woltman) Nodlinski; Matt, Mark and Mike Swanson; Cody, Loran, Adam and Tyler Swanson; Clay, Molly and Emma DeBerard; 34 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Loren and Beth, sister Beverly Delsing, grandson Chad Swanson, great-grandson Jake Swanson, and son-in-law Mike Hudson.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 12th at 10:00 a.m. in Hemingford, NE at St. Bridget Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating. A Rosary will precede the mass at 9:00 a.m. Masks will be required at both services. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Ponderosa Villa Care Center, 755 1st Street, Crawford, NE 69339 or to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.