Hubert D. Swanson passed away at Willow Ridge Healthcare on Friday, May 4, 2012 after a long battle with Parkinson Disease. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Balsam Lutheran Church in rural Amery. There will be a time of visitation for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Balsam Lutheran Cemetery.

Hubert Donald Swanson was born at home on the family farm in Volga, Wisconsin on May 29, 1926. He was the son of Henry and Ironey (Peterson) Swanson. He grew up on the farm that was homesteaded by his great grandparents in 1864. He was Baptized and Confirmed at the Balsam Lutheran Church where he has been a lifetime member. He attended the Volga School, often riding his bike to school from home. He then attended the Amery High School where he graduated. Growing up he was active in 4-H and was in FFA where he received the State Farmer award. His career as a farmer was one of hard work. He was great with cows and he was very successful at picking sires to expand the quality of his shorthorn herd. He showed cattle at the Chippewa Fair, Minnesota State Fair, Polk County Fair as well as up at Superior, Wisconsin. Hubert loved music. He was accomplished at playing both piano and organ even though he had lost part of a finger. Hubert particularly enjoyed playing hymns. He sang in the church choir and was a longtime member of the Indianhead Chorus barbershop group. With music such a part of his life he also enjoyed dancing. Hubert farmed until 2005 even though he battled with Parkinson Disease since the late 1970's. When he was able, he traveled with People to People tours to Scotland and other countries. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Phyllis. Left to mourn his passing are his brothers Lester (Marion) Swanson and Alvin (Carlene) Swanson, nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.