Leonard E. Swanson

Leonard E. Swanson, 92, Rockford, passed away Friday, April 3, 2015, at SwedishAmerican Hospital. He was born September 9, 1922, in Rockford, The son of Leonard and Catherine (Cleary) Swanson. Leonard was a veteran of the Army serving during WWII. He was in the landing in Normandy on D-Day and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Leonard married Ann Montana in Rockford in 1941. He is a member of St. Edward Catholic Church. Leonard worked as a blacksmith at Estwing Manufacturing for over 45 years.
Survived by his wife, Ann of Rockford; his daughters,Catherine Pillow and Patricia Reschlein both of Rockford and his son, Michael (Rose) Swanson of Roscoe; his grandchildren, Edward and Allen Pillow, Jennifer Reschlein, and Tony, Daniel, and Anna Swanson; many great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law, Rose Marie Swanson. Predeceased by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, April 9, 2015, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th St. Rockford, 61109. Entombment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation from 10:00A.M. until time of Mass at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Drop-in Center, 7625 Owl Tr., Rockford, IL 61114. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.