Theodore Swanson

Ted was born in Ishpeming, on January 14, 1932, son of the late Saima (Koskela) and Marvin A. Swanson. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, class of 1950. On November 15, 1958, he married, Catherine Lundblad. Ted had attended NMU for finance and that’s where he discovered his love of the camera and subsequently did photography for NMU. His most notable photo was taken out at Gold Mine Lake where Ted had a camp, which was later published. Ted served in the Michigan National Guard for 9 years, from 1951 -1960.

Ted’s first job was with Ford Motor Credit Co. in Marquette. When that office closed, Ted began his career with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co., first at the Republic Mine and later at the Tilden Mine until his retirement.

Not one to settle into retirement, Ted went back to his love of finance at the Peninsula Bank, as the Repo man, and was affectionately known as “Tow bar Teddy”, and finally at age 79, he thought it was time to slow down.

He was considered a Pillar of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, having served on the church council, most notable as council president and several committees at the church, served as church janitor for several years, along with being a greeter and usher for many years. He served on the Northern Great Lakes Synod Planning Committee and was Assistant Treasurer, was also a member of the Pioneer Kiwanis and the VASA Lodge.

Some of Ted’s favorite activities were, on Saturday Nights he mastered the art of making Pizza and taking a real Sauna, “200 degrees was just right, 210 caught the ceiling on fire.” He loved the Gold Mine Camp that he bought from his uncle and had made many lake friends. Ted sang with the group known as the Choralers. Ted and Cathy served as foster parents to 30 foster babies throughout the years, some of whom he still had contact with.

Survivors include two daughters – Carrie Lynn Goldsworthy and Liz (Rusty) Aho both of Ishpeming; sister – Gail Terres of Gwinn; his “kid brother” – Marv (Jan) Swanson of Ishpeming; grandchildren – Andy Goldsworthy, Alex Goldsworthy, Russ Aho and Steve Aho along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends – Nancy Kamppainen, Paul Marin and Betsy Little.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, in 2000, son-in law, Bill Goldsworthy, in 2012, and a granddaughter, Tina Aho, in 2019.

Ted was never one to complain no matter what, spoken like a fine man and father he always said, “can’t complain”. Per Ted’s wishes and love of a good hot sauna he wanted to be cremated, saying he was “going for one good last heat.”

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00AM, on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Ishpeming, with Rev. Warren Geier officiating.

The family will greet relatives and friends, from 9:00AM to 11:00AM, on Saturday, December 14th, at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Ishpeming.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church, 715 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

His girls would like to thank, Tony Lackey and his nurse, Callie, for there care and compassion shown to Ted.

Ted’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.