Jerome E. Swanson

Jerome Edward Swanson, 85, of Galesburg, IL died peacefully while in the company of loved ones on August 19, 2024, after a brief illness.

Jerry was born on April 30, 1939, in Galesburg, the son of Helen E. (Haskins) and James W. Swanson. After graduating from Corpus Christi High School in 1957, Jerry worked on the railroad for 10 years. During that time, he married Mary H. Collins in Galesburg on April 4, 1964. Jerry then became a union electrician and worked in his father’s business, along with two of his brothers, at Swanson Electric Company. After his father passed, Jerry owned and operated Jerry Swanson Electric in Galesburg for over 35 years, retiring in 2004.

Jerry was a member of Soangetaha Country Club, where he lived and raised his family, for over 50 years. He loved playing golf with friends and played in many tournaments in the area, including numerous times in the All-City Championship. When he wasn’t playing golf, he enjoyed being outdoors, going out on his boat and fishing. Always keeping busy, he also enjoyed puttering around the house and helping others with their projects. Known affectionately by friends and loved ones as “Swanny” and “Buck ‘n a Half,” Jerry could often be found with a cold beer in his hand regaling stories, giving people heck about one thing or another, and laughing fondly while spending time with friends. Jerry was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a member of Fr. JO Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556 and IBEW Local 34.

Jerry is survived by three daughters, Jane (Kevin) Baird of Fletcher, North Carolina, Laura (Andreas) Lee of Boulder, Colorado, and Emily (Sean Buckman) Swanson of Longmont, Colorado; and his adored four grandchildren, Charlotte Lee, Beatrice Lee, Matilda Lee, and Nina Basurco. Jerry is also survived by two brothers, Kerry (Debbie) Swanson of Wake Forest, North Carolina and Thomas (Sue) Swanson of the Philippines; three sisters, Katherine (Richard) Shamon of Bastrop, Texas, Mary Helen (the late Bob) Davison of Galesburg, and Ann Bennett of Galesburg; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary, on August 12, 2024; his parents; twin brother, James and brother, William; and several nephews and a niece.

Visitation and Funeral Mass for Jerry and Mary will begin with visitation at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. The rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. with funeral mass following at 11:30 a.m. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Jerry and Mary will be buried together at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Jerry may be made to the Fr JO Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556.