Obituary of Emil Swanson

Emil Swanson, 97, of Beach Park, IL died on Friday, September 9, 2011 at Manor Care in Kenosha, WI. Emil was born December 26, 1913 in Waukegan and had lived in this area all of his life. He retired from Johns-Manville after 30 years. Emil was a former member of Bonnie Brook Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing violin, mandolin, and the harmonica. He belonged to the local musicians federation union and enjoyed vacationing on Washington Island, WI. Survivors include his wife of 43 years Lyda; children Cheryl McNeil of Kenosha, Wl, Natalie (Tracy) Ester-Whitaker of Pleasant Prairie, WI, and Jack (Sue) Ester of Pleasant Prairie, Wl; eight grandchildren Tracy (David) Miracle, Shawn McNeil, Shannon (Jeremy) Picard, Brian Rossmann, Kelly Rossmann, Jeremy (Julie) Brown, Michael (Rachel) Ester, and Joby Ester; eleven great-grandchildren Kamryn Picard, Nick, Alec, and Hayley Miracle, Darion McNeil, Cal and Cailynn Rossmann, Caden and Rylan Brown, and Ashley and Ayanna Ester; and one sister Ellen Barron of Waukegan. He was preceded in death by his first wife Alma; his daughter Sandra Rossmann; grandson Kevin Rossmann; son-in-law Robert McNeil; brother Gustav Swanson; brother-in-law Joseph Barron; and his parents Daniel and Hilda Swanson. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, with Rev. Tim Glover officiating. Interment will follow at Northshore Garden of Memories, North Chicago. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00 noon until time of services at the funeral home.