1919-2008

Services were held April 23 in Traverse City for Leelanau County native Robert K. “Sonny” Swanson who died April 20 at Munson Medical Center. He was 89.

He was born March 2, 1919, in Good Harbor, to Robert W. and Ruth (Richner) Swanson. His wife, Edna, preceded him in death in 1997.

He grew up on the Swanson Farm and took over after his father’s death in 1958. He grew strawberries, made maple syrup and harvested produce on his 75 acre farm. He had a fruit stand on M-22 between Sugar Loaf Mountain and Little Traverse Lake which he operated under the “honor system” until he was in his 80’s.

He is survived by his two sons, John (Susan) Swanson and Tom (Sherry) Swanson; his daughter, Margaret Lynn Wilson, all of Traverse City; his brother, Alfred Swanson; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Eleanor Favorite and Erma Shonk.

Memorial donations may be directed to College Terrace Wesleyan Church of Traverse City.