In Memory of

Daniel

A.

Swenson

Obituary for Daniel A. Swenson

Daniel A. Swenson, 73, of Erie, passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Jamestown, NY, on December 2, 1944, the son of the late Ralph and Mildred Johnson Swenson.
Dan was a 1963 Graduate of Jamestown High School, after which he graduated from Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science. Following his residency, he earned his funeral director’s license in New York in 1967 and then in Pennsylvania in 1973. In addition to his career as a funeral director, he served many years as an EMS provider in the Jamestown area. He eventually dedicated his skills to the funeral profession, proudly serving for the past 26 years at the Russell C. Schmidt Funeral Home in Erie, PA. He is a past president of the Erie Crawford County Funeral Directors Association. Dan was well respected in the funeral profession. He considered it his calling to help families at the time of their greatest need.
Dan was a tractor aficionado, a Civil War buff, loved his Cocker Spaniels, and the countryside. He was also a friend of Bill W. Dan had a heart of gold that he shared with everyone.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his Aunt Ruth Swenson and Uncle Aldor Johnson.
Survivors include his wife Nancy Strader Swenson; his two daughters Sandra Webster, of Falconer, NY, and Linda Stoppacher (Robert), of Fayetteville, NY; two stepsons Les Strader (Becky) of Erie, and Timothy Strader (Tammy) of Bemus Point, NY. He particularly enjoyed his grandchildren who include Erica, Conor, and Ian Webster; Harper, Emma and Gretchen Stoppacher; Alex, Zach and Hannah Strader, and Mitchell Wysocki; and his great-grandchildren, Elliana, Lillian, Palmer, and Macy. He was thought of as more than a grandfather but a best friend. He is also survived by his friend and former wife, Kathryn Gilray.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. Erie, PA, on Monday from 4 to 7 pm. and on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown, NY. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church - 120 Chandler St., Jamestown, NY 14701.