Verne A Swanson

VERNE A SWANSON (aka Bernie) of Marengo, IL. passed into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 at the age of 86. Verne was born on February 10th, 1940, in Sycamore, IL to Arthur and Beth Swanson.

Verne met his wife Dorothy Brandt, when he stole her from her date at a high school dance. They were married October 3rd, 1959, sharing 66 years together.

Verne and Dorothy were blessed with three children. Tracy Piper, Carl (Jamie) Swanson and Gail (Arturo) Fierros. Verne was the grandfather of Aaron (Liza) Piper, Adam (Courtney) Piper, Alexandra (Victor) Vega,

Joshua (Colleen) Minich, Charleton (Stephanie) Swanson, English (Tyler) Patterson, Wesley (Francesca)

Swanson, Terrence (Hannah) Swanson, Alison (Casey) Doud, and Stephanie (Eric) Meyers.

Verne was the great grandfather to 26 great grandchildren.

Verne worked as a heavy equipment operator for LOCAL 150 most of his adult life and he loved it. He was a grain and dairy farmer in his early years as well as a business owner in the early 80’s for a water softener company.

Verne was a member of the New Life Christian Center in Woodstock, IL. He was one of the original

Founders who started the church in the early 1980’s. Verne will be remembered mostly for his big “bear hugs” and his one liners like, “Aren’t you glad you got to see me”, “This tastes Musty!”, and “No, No,No….you GET to go to work”. Verne enjoyed woodworking in his shop, gun collecting and shooting, family gatherings, playing pinochle in a monthly card club, watching any old Western movie, and he could dance the jitterbug like there was no tomorrow with Dorothy!

Verne would always brag to his Dr’s on how he was the oldest living Swanson male of the family due to the family’s history of heart disease. He was very proud of that!

Verne is preceded in death by both his parents Arthur and Beth Swanson, Father in law-William Brandt, Mother in law-Helen Brandt, Brother in laws: Richard (Smiley) Wagner, Fred Rose, John Hayes and Rodger Brandt.

Verne is survived by his wife Dorothy Swanson, their 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren, sisters: Janet Hayes, Twid Wagner, Carolyn Rose, Cheri Beth Piedra, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at New Life Christian Center on Saturday August 8th, 2026 at 5115 Dean St, Woodstock, IL. Visitation with the family will begin at 10am-12pm. Service at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Verne’s honor to New Life Christian Center or OSF Hospice.