Bernel Russell Swanson

Bernel R. Swanson, 80, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully Friday, November 24, 2023, after a battle with cancer with his family by his side. Honoring his request, no formal services will be held.  A family gathering will be held sometime in the future.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook.

Bernel Russell Swanson was born May 2, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Swan Henry Swanson and Lillian Caroline (Johnson) Swanson.

As a child, Bernel spent nearly nine months at the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, where he shook the hand of President Harry S. Truman.  He spent a curious and adventurous youth working jobs all over the states.  Upon returning, he met and married Larena Marlena Kallenberger in 1961.  To this union, their daughter Stacy was born in Miami.

Like his father, Bernel was a gifted mechanic and, during his life, worked for the local butcher Sam Levi, Ken’s meat department, the Milwaukee Railroad, Safeguard/Hub City, FMC, and during the summers, ran the Moccasin Creek Complex Concession Stand, with Larena.  He also earned several degrees from Willmar Tech and Northern State University.  Bernel worked hard for his family and always cared and provided for them.  Bernel and Larena built one of the first geodesic homes in the area, as Bernel was always concerned with the impact of things on the environment.

He always spent quality time with Stacy and her friends, providing teaching and guidance regarding school and many sports.  The family enjoyed spending time with relatives playing cards, camping, and helping each other with cars, home, electronic, and computer repairs over the years.  Bernel enjoyed capturing the family with videography and going to demolition derbies with his brother Lowell and nephew Jeff.

Bernel and Larena loved being grandparents and supported them in their activities, driving all over the Midwest and attending tournaments and events. The most recent addition to the family was their great-granddaughter, Frances Evelyn Morman, who is their pride and joy.

His warmth, wisdom and wit will be forever missed by those who loved him dearly.

Beyond Grateful for having shared Bernel’s life are his wife, Larena, daughter Stacy (Swanson) Morman; two grandchildren, Mason (Chloe Kramer) Morman and Kayla Morman; great-granddaughter Frances Morman; three brothers: Galen “Chip” (Marian) Swanson, Lowell (Kathy) Swanson, and Ben Swanson; and many other in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bernel was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lucille Erickson and Sharon Pickrell, many uncles and aunts, in-laws, cousins, a niece, Cassandra Swanson Bell, and nephew Greg Swanson.

Larena and Stacy would like to thank everyone who supported them during this difficult time.  Thank you to Doctors Conklin, Larson, Chris Nelson, PA-C., and all the staff at the Avera Cancer Institute & Avera who provided excellent care and comfort to Bernel the past two years.

Condolences/Memorials can be sent to Larena Swanson at 1521 3rd Avenue SE Aberdeen, SD 57401.