Duane A. Swanson

Duane A. Swanson, 75, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 2, at Stormont Vail Health Center. He was born in Salina on August 10, 1932 to Hjalmar and Ellen Swanson. He attended Salina Public Schools, graduating from Salina High School in 1950. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he attended Bethany College in Lindsborg. While there, he met Charlene Johnson and they were married on June 11, 1958 at First Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado. They began their married life in Topeka while he attended Washburn University, graduating in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree. Duane received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas in 1961. Following one year as Director of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Mental Health Association, he accepted a position at The Menninger Foundation as Director of Purchasing. After several years in that position, he served seven years as Controller of the Foundation and retired in December of 1992 as Senior Vice President Emeritus. In retirement, Duane volunteered at many agencies including Everybody Wins, and on the boards of Big Brother Big Sister, Doorstep and the Salvation Army. He also served one term on the Human Relations Commission. Duane was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council and as President on several occasions. At the church, he was the drummer in the New Dimensions contemporary group. He also volunteered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Central States Synod Office in Kansas City for fourteen years. He loved to play golf as often as the weather allowed and when the weather wasn’t good, he painted pictures, many of which were given to friends or sold to benefit charity. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; daughter, Lynda Weaver and her husband Phil; daughter, Janis Swanson; grandchildren Kyle and Kalyn Weaver who lovingly referred to him as Papa. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Barbara Swanson; nephew, Pete Swanson and niece Amy Swanson; brother and sister -in-law, Jack and Nadine Lesser; nephew, John Evans and his wife Michelle and their children Nathan and Lauren; nephew, Chuck Evans; niece, Karen Wondra and her husband Alan, and their children, Jennifer and Aaron; several cousins in the United States and several cousins in Sweden. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. A celebration of Duane’s life will be 3 p.m. Friday at the church. Private burial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for Altar Furnishing, 2021 SW 29th St, Topeka, 66611.

Duane A. Swanson

August 10, 1932 - February 7, 2008