Obituary of Rolf Swanson

Rolf Swanson, 95, of Thompson, CT died on March 14, 2018. He leaves his wife Irene, sister Dorothy Asikainen, daughters Andrea Whitman (Edwin), Kathie Kelly (Dennis), granddaughter Erin Kelly, step-daughters Renee Beshaw (Derek), Michelle Gianetis (John), step-grandchildren Jason, Chad and Alex Beshaw, Alison and Lauren Gianetis, step-great grandchildren Liam and Penelope, several sister and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Virginia Swanson in 1989.

He was a graduate of TMHS and Putnam Trade School. He proudly served in the US Navy, on the USS, Texas in the Pacific during WWII, serving as a Fire Controlman. He was a toolmaker by trade, retiring in 1987 as Foreman from Ivanhoe Tool and Die in Thompson.

He will be remembered for many things, including his kindness, honesty and love of the outdoors.  He loved to travel, especially in New England and up and down the East Coast.  He was a skilled woodworker, making many pieces of furniture for family and friends, and was also a talented carver.  Rolf was a Mason, a member of the Corner Stone-Quinebaug Lodge #122, for over 50 years.  He had served on the Thompson Board of Finance, and currently was an officer of the West Thompson Cemetery Association and a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church.

A Graveside service will be Friday, March 23, 2018 at 11:00 AM in West Thompson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Cemetery Fund, PO Box 221, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255  Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com