Roger Vance Swanson

Roger Vance Swanson, 75, passed away on March 20, 2022, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was born on February 26, 1947, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, and lived most of his life in Green Lake County. After graduating from high school at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, he attended the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, and graduated in 1970. It was during this time that he made lifelong friendships with his section mates, including best friend, the late Roark Nagler. He cherished his time at Kings Point, enjoyed attending class reunions, and reached out to the KP community whenever the opportunity arose. As a highlight of his academy life, Roger sailed around the world to many different ports during his sea year. After graduation, he returned to Wisconsin to pursue his first love, dairy farming, for many years. After selling his dairy operation, Roger continued to crop farm and simultaneously pursued a career as a marine engineer, sailing on oil tankers from Alaska to Japan and Korea and later on container ships from Los Angeles to Southeast Asia. After retiring from sailing, he continued to farm until his health declined. What Roger enjoyed most was going out for a beer and talking to friends and strangers alike. He loved learning all about everyone and regaling people with his knowledge of farming, sailing, his Kings Point days, and his plans for the future.

Roger is survived by his stepmother, Marjorie Swanson of Princeton; his friend and former spouse, Suzanne Swanson; three children, Jeffrey (Orchid Ra) Swanson of Southport, NC, Brian (Scott O’Berski) Swanson of Chicago, IL, Jeanene (Kevin Horan) Swanson of US Virgin Islands; former spouse, Judy Radomski; three stepchildren, Sarah Emmrich of Antigo, WI, Aaron Emmrich of Neenah, WI, Beth Emmrich of Oshkosh, WI; three grandchildren, Owen Verheyen, Hannah Doss, Ethan Emmrich; two sisters, Karen (Rich) Brzozowski, Lynn (Ken Werner) Swanson; sister-in-law, JoAnn Swanson of Lombard, IL; cousin, Ann George; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving father, Harold V. “Whitey” Swanson; his mother, Doris (Meller) Swanson; devoted half-brother, Harold Swanson.

A funeral service for Roger Swanson will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, W3278 Highway K, Markesan. Pastor Gary Zacharias will officiate. Roger will be laid to rest in the Dayton Cemetery in the township of Princeton. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting https://www.alz.org.

Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Roger with his family.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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