Owen Michael Swanson
April 22, 1970 ~ December 6, 2013
Owen M. Swanson, 43, Valley Springs, died Friday, December 6, 2013, at his home.
Memorial services will begin at 1:00 PM, Friday, December 13, 2013, at Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon. Pastor Jerry Merkouris will officiate. Visitation will begin at Noon.
Owen Michael Swanson was born April 22, 1970, in Las Angeles, CA. to Gene and Rene (Van Beek) Swanson. He attended Valley Springs Elementary and graduated from Brandon Valley High School. Upon graduation, Owen moved to Phoenix, AZ to work as a mechanic on a road construction crew that worked and traveled all over the US. In the mid 2000’s, Owen moved back to Valley Springs where he again worked as a mechanic.
Owen had a love for motors and speed. He loved anything that would go fast and that he could race (Forwards or backwards). He really enjoyed racing cars and motorbikes. His infectious smile was always the first thing you saw of his large teddy bear frame. You couldn’t help but laugh being around him. His family and friends recalled many camping trips to Lake Oakwood with Owen and his son, Danny. Large camp fires and the many stories around it will not be forgotten soon.
Owen will be deeply missed by his two children, Danny Swanson, AZ and Savannah Swanson, Valley Springs; mother, Rene (Tim Den Herder) Swanson, Valley Springs; his siblings, Sony (Nate) Swanson and Zach (Shannon) Swanson; Grandfather, Jake Van Beek, Sioux Falls; Step-mother, Kathy Swanson, Valley Springs; step-siblings, Sara (Donn) Lowe and Kevin (Delena) Tupy, special nephew, Gavin and nephew, Dominik; along with his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene, and Aunt Katie.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you Sony and family…
Thinking of the whole family during this difficult time and always…
I am so sorry for your loss. Some of the best times of my life were had with Owen back in high school. I will always look back on those days in the Cutlass with a smile on my face and love in my heart. Everybody needs a friend like that and I thank God I had him. For those of you that were not there, you missed a great time!
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, nicole, your daughter Zena Danny Im so shocked I dont know what to say Owen was a stand up man. great mechani great friend Fun and scary but could drive backwards as well forward I will miss you
Very nice service. Prayers for the whole family. Owen will be missed dearly and will forever be in our hearts!
I regret not being able to get back in touch with Owen after High School. We had a lot of good times our senior year. Great memories with a great guy. You will be missed my friend. My thoughts and prayers to his children and family.
on behalf of everyone here in valley, your time was too short, but i guess it was time, we will miss your crazy self. with love from a community that knew you well, you will be missed. (and yes he could drive in any direction, especially if he was told not to)!
To a great brother that could never be replaced. He will be GREATLY missed by many family and friends. His smile will forever be embedded in our minds and we will miss seeing it. We can only hope that all his pain is gone and is happy with dad and Katie. Love you and miss you.
Owen always had a great way about imno matter what the situation was the more trying the more upscale/upbeat he was ….he always made me laugh even when I mad… Ill always remember waking up to Danny every morning wanting to come in and play with “Muttlee” then off to their house bringing coffee… you will be missed Owen thanks for allowing me to be a part of your life God Bless Dusty
We will always love you!! Ox
This was devastating news. I will always remember you. Owen taught me everything I know about cars and how to do a killer burn out…crazy times! I would not be who or where I am today if it wasn’t for you cruisin into my life back in 89 and I just want to say thank you! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. Rest in peace Owen. ♥ an old friend