Willard N. Swanson Jr., 79

Willard N. Swanson Jr., age 79, of Hudson, died Jan. 2 at Comforts of Home in Hudson.

Willard was born on Aug. 18, 1933, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of Willard Sr. and Evelyn (Strand) Swanson. He was raised in Minneapolis where he graduated from Roosevelt High School. He would further his education by receiving his bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Minnesota. He was a proud yet humble veteran of our Armed Forces where he served. Willard was an entrepreneur and a respected business man. He worked within the paint/coatings industry and owned businesses such as Chemquip and W.N. Swanson Inc. He proudly held companies such as 3M, HB Fuller, and Valspar as supporting clients.

On the personal side, Willard loved boating and cruising down the St. Croix and was a long-time member of the Hudson Marina. He also loved playing cards, bridge, and/or cribbage. Earlier, he enjoyed an afternoon on a golf course or down the slopes skiing. He was a gifted carpenter who took great pride in his woodworking. He loved the outdoors, watching his Golden Retrievers run around or planting a tree for future generations. Furthermore, he enjoyed his vast travels around the globe and volunteering for Hudson Hospital as their van driver.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen; children, Scott (Lynn) Swanson, Richard Swanson, and Steve Swanson; step-children, Reed (Lori) Rollins and Carrie Rollins; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and his brother, Richard Swanson.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald "The Senator."

Memorial services will be held at 12 noon Monday, Jan. 7, at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Memorials are preferred and will be used to better many of the non-profit organizations he felt strongly about.

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