Donald W. "Don" Swanson

Donald W. “Don” Swanson, age 86, lifelong resident of Geneva, passed away peacefully Friday, April 19, 2019 at his home with his loving wife and a family friend by his side.

He was born in the family home on March 20, 1933 in Wasco, the son of Wallace and Louise (Gerdau) Swanson.

Don attended Wasco schools and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1952.  He proudly served this country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Don received a degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois in 1960. He began his work career for Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell in Chicago. He was controller and treasurer for Schwinn Bicycle Company Midwest Distribution Center in Elk Grove Village for 20 years before opening his own accountancy practice in Geneva from 1985 to 2013. Don held an elected position on the Geneva Board of Education. He was a longtime member of the Geneva Lions Club, serving as president from 1989 to 1990. Don was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, which is the highest award a member of the Lions Club can receive. He also received the Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellowship award and a life membership in the Geneva Lion’s Club. Don was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Geneva and served on the Board of Trustees for many years. Don served the Geneva History Museum for several years as finance chairman and also served as President. He was actively involved in the museum’s move from Wheeler Park to the present location on Third Street. Don’s love for history, especially Wasco history, provided him with the opportunity to serve on the board of the Garfield Farm Museum. Following a major accident in 1994, Don persevered through multiple health challenges with a strong and positive mental attitude that was inspiring to everyone who knew and admired him. Don was a loving family man with a passion for enjoying and collecting beautiful pieces of art. His frequent and hardy laugh with family and friends conveyed how much he valued and enjoyed life. 

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Jo Anne (Gricunas) who he married in 1956; daughters Deanne (Charles Matthews) Sharp of Chula Vista, CA and Jill Brocksmith of La Grange, MO; grandchildren Chase and Jema Matthews, Brianna (Patrick) Bales, Alden Thompson, and Dalton Brocksmith; siblings Robert (Delma) Swanson of Elgin and Charlene of Florida; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Wallace Jr and Ralph, and sister Dorothy Larson.

A visitation for Don will be held Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 1:00 pm until the time of his memorial service at 3:00 pm at Geneva United Methodist Church, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva with Reverend Mary Gay McKinney and Reverend Esther Lee officiating. 

Burial will be held privately at Whitney Cemetery in Wasco at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Geneva United Methodist Church, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva, Illinois 60134 or Lions Club of Geneva Scholarship Fund, PO Box 382, Geneva, Illinois 60134, or Geneva History Museum, 113 S. 3rd Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134 would be appreciated.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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