Wendel B. Swanson

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Wendel Swanson of Bonita Springs, FL announces his passing on the morning of March 23, 2016 at his home at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. A.M. Swanson, and mother, Alice Swanson both of Rockford, Illinois. Born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1930, Swanson graduated from Rockford East High School in 1948, earned his B.A. from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, an M.S. in Geology at the University of Chicago. As a Fulbright Scholar, he traveled to the University of Sidney, Australia where he researched marsupials' fossils. Swanson went on to earn a medical degree from the University of Chicago, and completed his radiology residency at the University of Michigan. In 1960, he married Irene Swanson, moved to Colorado in 1965, raised his family and worked for Radiology Imaging Associates for 25 years. In the early 1950s, Swanson served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. During that service, and in subsequent years, he developed an avid interest in black and white photography. His interest took him throughout the Americas, Australia, Africa, Europe. He was a specialist in alternative photographic techniques and had works displayed at a Von Liebig Art Center sponsored show at Physicians Regional Hospital, Florida Artists at Baker Museum, and galleries in Denver, CO. Wendel will be forever remembered by his beloved wife of 55 years, Irene Swanson; son Ken and daughter-in-law Carol Swanson of Hollis, New Hampshire; son Greg Swanson of Seattle, Washington; grandsons, Kyle & Christopher Swanson; brother Armer and sister-in-law Rosemay Swanson of Rockford, IL; sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Louis Minafra of Patchogue, NY and nephew Joe Minafra of California. Wendel will also be lovingly remembered by his extended family and dear friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2016 at 11AM, Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. The family requests no flowers please. Modest donations could be made in memory of Wendel Swanson to the Von Leibig Art Center, 585 Park St., Naples, FL 34102. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Wendel B. Swanson

October 5, 1930 - March 23, 2016