David Lee Swanson

David Lee Swanson, age 79, United States Marine Veteran, of Orland Park, Illinois, slid into Heaven's home plate on Monday, September 30, 2024. David was born on August 25,1945 in Escanaba, Michigan, the 4th child of Mildred and Albert Swanson. David was the loving husband of Maria Guadalupe,nee Ontiveros, and the beloved Father of John (Rosalie) Swanson, David Swanson, Kenneth Swanson and Thomas Swanson. He was the Grandfather of Brooklynn, Emory and Aura. Also, twenty men and women were very proud to call him "Uncle Dave".

Dave volunteered for the United States Marines after high school, and found himself in the jungles of Vietnam in 1965. His life would be forever altered in that jungle. After risking it all and successfully carrying a wounded brother in arms to safety, he was shot and suffered a shattered ankle. His heroic and selfless actions led to him being pinned with both the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart, by Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago. He was, and is now eternally, a genuine Hero.

David was a "giver". He was the type of guy you wanted on your team. He taught his sons, and a few nephews, how to catch a baseball, throw a football and how to win at life. Dave, who often shared his philosophy on life, politics, family and friends, and everything football and Chicago Cubs, speaks to us in spirit now. If you knew him, you will not forget him.

Dave could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances. He had an amazing memory and told entertaining stories from throughout his life, sometimes with just a hint of exaggeration. His captivating and charismatic smile endeared him to all, and allowed his joke telling and at times bold bluntness to be understood and overlooked. There is talk of creating a "board game" with his many funny one liners. He loved going back to Michigan's Upper Peninsula during deer hunting season, just to be with extended family at camp and to hear and tell stories. You may have caught him yelling at the TV during a Bear or Cubs game, doing his crossword puzzle during Saturday morning cartoons, or even attending one of the annual July 4th parties in the backyard. Part of who he was, (brave, strong willed, street-smart, generous and caring,) undoubtedly were gained from his experience as a war time Marine, and helped immensely with his life's challenges... allowing him to endure and conquer many obstacles, both physical and mental. He was then able to use that experience to instill in his family a lesson of a strong work ethic and the importance of family and friends.

David, we have many memories to keep you alive. Thank You for your service, for your dedication to family, and for that contagious, distinctive laugh, for your positive influence, thoughtfulness and generosity. I'll bet you and your brothers, Ken, Al and Jerry, are together right now tipping an ice cold Stroh's, free from all the pain endured in your mortal life. Then I hope you dance with reckless abandon in the streets of heaven.

Family, friends, and all whose lives David touched are invited to Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 South Oak Park Avenue, Stickney, IL 60402 on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00. A funeral chapel service will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM, also at Mount Auburn Funeral Home. (708)749-2033. Burial to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421 at 12:30pm.