William W. Swanson's Obituary
William W. Swanson, age 83, of Wild Rose, WI, passed away Sunday, June 28th, 2026 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, WI. He was born in Aurora, IL on April 24, 1943, a son of the late Oscar and Florence (Kirchhoff) Swanson.
On a Sunday in February he 1969, he and some of his friends headed to Green Hornet Skate Rink in Manawa to "check out" this girl that was known to skate there every Sunday. A few short months later, on June 28th, 1969, William married the love of his life, Karen Stilen, the same girl from the rink. They spent 57 beautiful and love-filled years together to the date. Over the years William, better known as Bill, spent over 50 years as an over the road trucker so he wasn't home a ton, but when he was, he enjoyed spending his time in the woods. He loved hunting and cutting wood for a good fire while he was home. Bill enjoyed a good round of golf from time to time. He and Karen spent a lot of time snowmobiling during their younger years. A man of the outdoors in many different aspects. However, his biggest hobby ever, had to be cards. He was an avid cribbage player. He spent many days playing cards with family and friends: including teaching his grandkids how to play Rook- because "you're not a Swanson unless you know how to play Rook." Bill served during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army based in Okinawa at a supply unit. He spent two weeks running supplies between Okinawa to Vietnam while he served. Bill and Karen spent Sunday mornings at United Methodist Church of Wild Rose and would get a bite to eat after service.
Survivors include his Wife: Karen Swanson, Waupaca, WI; Children: Renee (John) Boos, Port Washington, WI; William (Alison Cegelski) Swanson II, Waupaca, WI; Grandchildren: Natalie (Tylor) Zygarlicke, Milwaukee, WI; Greg Boos, Port Washington; Rose (Wyatt) Nelson, Waupaca, WI; Paige Swanson, Marathon, WI; Sami Swanson, Waupaca, WI; Brothers: Ron Swanson, Manawa, WI; Bob (Judy) Swanson, Scandinavia, WI; Chuck (Pam) Swanson, Little Chute, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Florence Swanson and a sister - Kathy Schieser.
A Funeral Service will be held at Wild Rose United Methodist Church in Wild Rose at 11 AM on Monday, July 6th, 2026, with Pastor Kari Riley, officiating. Interment and Military Honors will be in the Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Farmington, Waupaca Co., WI. Visitation will be held on Monday, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
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