Dale E. Swanson

Dale Eugene Swanson, 93, of Idaho Falls passed away May 20, 2024, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Dale was born September 1, 1930, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to David L. Swanson and Beatrice Virginia Slater Swanson. The third of six children, he grew up on a family farm, now part of the Idaho Falls Country Club. He attended the first through eighth grades at Washington Elementary, followed by ninth through twelfth at Shelley High School, where he lettered in football and boxing.

After high school, Dale enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years. He was assigned to the Naval Air Corps at Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Oahu, Hawaii. He earned his wings as a Combat Air Crewman, serving aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany during the Korean War.

After an honorable discharge, Dale returned to Idaho Falls, working for the Mountain States Telephone Company. On February 17, 1957, he married Shirley Louise Enell in Idaho Falls. They have two children, Kevin Dale and Vicki Lynn. In 1959, he joined Argonne National Laboratory where he remained for 33 years.

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After retirement, Dale and Shirley split time between Idaho Falls and Southern California. They traveled extensively with family and friends, both domestically and abroad. Dale loved to stay active. During his lifetime he enjoyed softball, rodeo, hunting, fishing, bowling, and golf. He continued to play golf until his final years. His favorite times were spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He also volunteered for the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen and as a shuttle driver for Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Dale is survived by his wife, Shirley of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Kevin Swanson of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Vicki (Steven) McMannon of Chicago, IL; two sisters, Patricia Vest and Joyce Hill, both of Idaho Falls, ID; and three grandchildren, Erin (Jason Robb) McMannon Robb, Michael McMannon, and Natascha Buschmann.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Donald, LeRoy, and Robert Swanson.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Idaho Falls, ID. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Urn burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery immediately thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Community Food Basket Idaho Falls. https://feedidahofalls.org/donations/

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.