Richard H. Swanson, age 81, of Huron, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Huron Regional Medical Center. Visitation with family present will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, December 8th at Welter Funeral Home. His graveside service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, December 9th at St. Martin Cemetery in Huron.

View Richard's Memorial Folder

Richard Henry Swanson was born on February 25, 1942, to Roy H. and Julia (Konshak) Swanson in Huron, South Dakota. He attended St. Teresa Catholic grade school and graduated from Huron High School in 1960.

On October 25, 1969, he married Sherry Lee Hofer at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Huron and they continued to reside in Huron. Rich had various jobs through the years—Raven, Kasperson Ford, and Hurd Alignment. In 1974, he opened his own automotive repair shop. When autos became too computerized, he closed the shop and began a 20-year career as a dispatcher for Huron State Radio retiring in December 2008.

He was a former volunteer fireman with the Huron Fire Department and a certified EMT with the Huron Ambulance.

Rich was a Jack-of-all-Trades. He was able to build, repair or fix almost anything, including building his shop and their home, and was always willing to give a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife Sherry; siblings, Margaret Greschke of Sioux Falls, Lyle (Janet) Swanson of Huron and James Swanson of Janesville, WI; sister-in-law Phyllis Swanson of Brandon and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brothers Roy, Thomas, and William; sister Mary Kuhns; brother-in-law Ed Greschke; sisters-in-law Betty Swanson and Helen Swanson and his parents-in-law Melvin A. and Pearl E. Hofer.