Dudley Warner Swanson

Dudley Warner Swanson, 83, of Rockford passed away Wednesday July 30, 2014 at Swedish American Hospital. He was born January 21, 1931 in Rockford, the son of Bert and Nancy Swanson. He graduated from East High School, class of '48. Dudley had two long marriages. He married Connie Layng in Rockford on June 9, 1991. He and his first wife, Mae, were married on November 23, 1950. She predeceased him in 1989. He was a firefighter for the Rockford Fire Department for over 30 years, retiring in 1982 as a lieutenant. He received a Certificate of Recognition from the American National Red Cross for Extraordinary Personal Action when he rescued 3 children from the second story of their burning home as an off-duty firefighter. He was a member at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church where he served as head usher and a member of the Property Committee. He took it upon himself to carry out many of the church's maintenance responsibilities. It was rare for him to find something he couldn't fix. Dudley loved fishing, hiking, woodworking, and spending time at the cottage he built on Elsie Lake in Lac du Flambeau, WI. He will be remembered as a very loving and selfless man.
Survivors include his wife Connie. Two children, Steven Swanson and Glenda (Kyle) Niffenegger. Grandson, Garik Niffenegger. Step-Children, Larry (Carol) Layng, Jeff Layng, Lisa (Steve) Carter, Kathryn (David) Hwang and Dan (Chris) Layng. Step-grandchildren, Ben, Ian, Abby, Brad (Becky), Bryn, Noah, Eva, Zach and Josh. Great grandchild, Leah. Sisters, Judi Lindquist and Kay (Jim) Phillip. Brother, Tim Swanson. Sister-in-law, Dinah Swanson. Predeceased by his parents, wife Mae, and Brother Rodney.
Funeral Service at 11am Monday August 4, 2014 in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 4700 Augustana Dr Rockford, Illinois 61107 with Pastor Kenn Storck officiating. Visitation from 2pm until 4pm Sunday August 3 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation also from 10am until 10:45 Monday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Gloria Dei or Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 2903 STH 155 Sayner, Wisconsin 54560. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com