Theodore M. Swanson

Theodore M. Swanson, 92, of East Moline, Illinois, passed peacefully from this world on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Clarissa C. Cook hospice surrounded by loved ones.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  

A private gathering will be held to celebrate the lives of Ted and his wife, Patsy.  Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.  Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Ted’s memory.

Theodore Martin Swanson was born September 9, 1930, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Theodore Clifford and Mildred Beatrice (Jankelun) Swanson.  He married Patsy Ruth Murdock on February 28, 1959.  Early in his career he sold for several auto dealers in the area. In 1969 he joined the workforce on Rock Island Arsenal as an illustrator, technical editor, and retiring as chief, Technical Publications Production Branch in 1990.  After retirement he sold real estate for a few years.

Ted had varied interests over the years, the main being his love for his family.  He held a lifelong love of motorcycles, but also loved reading, fishing and traveling.  He took pride that he never met a stranger.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and David Apple of Moline; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Sara Swanson of Riverside, Iowa; son Douglas “Hadley” Swanson of Rock Island; grandchildren, Travis (Abbey) Swanson of Rock Island, the Rev. Eric (Corinne) Swanson of Pekin, Illinois, Justin (Erin) Swanson of Manvel, Texas, Taylor (Ariel Ward) Apple of Rock Island, Kaitlin (Justin Cable) Apple of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and 9 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a sister, Shirley Braden and nephew Terry Braden.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.