Ralph G. Swanson

Ralph Gilbert Swanson, 95, of Palos Park, IL passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026.

He was a loving dad, grandpa and great grandpa and he will be missed by all who loved him.

Ralph was raised in Moline, IL where he met his wife Bernice Marie Fuller. They married in 1952 and lived in San Antonio, Texas, where Ralph was stationed in the Air Force. When Ralph completed his Air Force duty, they returned to Moline where he studied accounting at Augustana College. After graduation, Ralph ultimately worked for IBM. The then growing family settled in Glenview IL.

Ralph had a great sense of humor and an unassuming wit. He also had a real sense of adventure. He loved to travel and often said, "Money spent on travel is never wasted." He took his family (Four kids 16-9 years old) to Alaska in 1971, a 5 week trip in a brand new station wagon to visit his sister and family in Fairbanks.

He also enjoyed time with family in Fox Lake, WI, where he and Bernice purchased a summer home in 1967. They enjoyed entertaining family, friends and friends of family at The Cottage. It was a popular gathering place for the family. He also loved to explore the area around The Cottage, finding many “Swanson shortcuts.”

Ralph also liked to stay fit. He was proud of his ability to water ski until he was 80 years old. He also ran marathons until he was 80.

His generous spirit led him and Bernice to share their home with foster son, Daniel Madden, and niece, Jenifer Clayville (né Swanson) who remain integral parts of the family.

He is preceded in death by his wife Bernice Marie Fuller Swanson, and his son Richard Alan Swanson and daughter, Krista Marie Swanson. He is survived by his children Bradley (Anne), Susan Freund (Henry), Paul (Sharon) and Marcia Schattauer (Paul), foster son Dan Madden (Janet) and his grandchildren, Ruthanne Swanson (Michael Pitts), James Swanson (Mary Strickland), Matthew Freund (Tiffanie Bui), Sarah Zuniga (Richard), Emily Higgins (Shane), Mark Swanson, Eric Swanson, Candace Swanson, Spencer Schattauer (Cora), Lucas Schattauer, Alex Madden (Irania), Sam Madden (Angel) and Joseph Madden,; great grandchildren: Stellan and Phaedra Pitts, Elke Freund, Charlie and Madison Zuniga, Sloan and Naomi Higgins, Wesley Madden, Jackson Madden and brother, Tim Swanson.

Services will be held at the Grewe Center at Peace Village, 10300 Village Circle Drive, Palos Park, Illinois 60464 on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Visitation from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:00 pm. Donations may be made to Lora’s Fund at Peace Village Click here to donate online.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400