Marley V. Swanson

Marley V. Swanson, 97 of Fargo, died Monday, October 5, 2015 at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo.

Marley Swanson was born September 20, 1918 in Valley City, ND to parents Victor and Etta Swanson. He grew up in Valley City, where he also graduated from high school.

Mr. Swanson had a great love for learning and taught school in Sanborn, ND and Egeland, ND, and later went on to teach in Fargo at Roosevelt Junior High from 1946-1951 and Ben Franklin Junior High School from 1952-1984. He married Barbara Erstad on June 25, 1942 in Columbia, South Carolina and they raised three sons together.

Marley served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a B-25 Mitchell pilot with the 83rd squadron. He completed 55 missions, including those in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and the Sicily and Naples – Foggia campaigns. Marley served during the Korean War and also in the North Dakota Air National Guard for over 20 years. He was an original member of the Gilbert C. Grafton American Legion Post 2 Band in 1945. In 1997, he was instrumental in incorporating the band. He also achieved nonprofit status and changed the name to the Red River Valley Veteran’s Concert Band.

He is survived by his two sons, Ken (Betty) Swanson of West Fargo, ND, and Ron (Barb) Swanson of Detroit Lakes, MN, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Marley was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Etta; wife, Barbara; son, Richard, and one sister.

Marley’s family would like to thank the staff at Sheyenne Crossings for the special care they gave Marley while he was a resident there.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery – 1825 46th Street, Mandan, ND 58554.