Leo Richard Swanson Jr, 72, of Devils Lake, ND, died unexpectedly doing what he loved to do, working for the family business on Saturday, Sep. 23, 2023.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sep. 28, 2023, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services for Richard will be held on Friday, Sep. 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Devils Lake, ND, with Pastor Jeff Kapelle officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Gathering for Richard at the White House Cafe following the burial.
Leo Richard Swanson Jr. was born on Aug. 1, 1951, at Ozark, Alabama, the son of Leo and Ruth (Romdalvik) Swanson. Richard graduated from Devils Lake Central in the class of 1970. He was a competitive athlete in Track, Football, and Wrestling. He attended Lake Region Junior College hoping to one day pursue a career in architecture. He was called to help on the mail route with the families contract with the United States Postal Service for a few years. Richard married Nancy (Heisler) Swanson in 1973 and later divorced. Richard began his lifelong career with Swanson’s Sand and Gravel in the fall of 1973. Richard’s passion was climbing into his truck and delivering product to his customers, which he was able to do until he left us. He formed many relationships over the years of working with several of the same customers, he aways wanted to make sure they got what they needed when they needed it.
Richards friends were also very special to him, he always loved to share a good conversation over a cup of coffee. He enjoyed so many of the waitresses and had something funny to say just waiting for a response from them. You would be able to find him at the Whitehouse or Hardee’s sometime during the day catching up on the daily happenings. No matter how busy he was he always made time for coffee time.
We are thankful for the many years we had Richard as our father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend. He will be forever loved and forever in our hearts.
Richard’s loving family include his children Amy Lee of Devils Lake, Todd Swanson of Devils Lake, and Ryan Swanson of Park River; Grandchildren Seth Lang of Grand Forks, Brandon (Anna) Swanson of Exton, PA, Austin Lee and Brady Lee both of Devils Lake; Great Grandsons Ben Swanson, Kyzer Lee, and Leo Lee; Nephews Chris Bakken, Jason (Elise) Swanson, Jeremy (Lindsey) Swanson; Nieces Coty (Dave) Bakken, Sandra Johnston, Melissa Johnston, Jade Johnston, Jennifer Swanson; Brother Gene (Lori) Swanson of Devils Lake, Sister Patty (Eugene) Bakken of Devils Lake.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Casket Bearers will be Jeremy Swanson, Jason Swanson, Chris Bakken, Austin Lee, Brady Lee, Seth Lang, Brandon Swanson, Dean Borstad and Hunter Borstad.
