Oliver Swanson, 84, of Spearfish, SD, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Ft. Meade VA Medical Center.

Memorial services will be at 2:30p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at United Methodist Church in Spearfish, with Pastor Dar Berkenpas officiating, burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors by the Spearfish Honor Guard.

Oliver was born October 25, 1924 to Edwin Swanson and Helen Lange Swanson in Rapid City, SD. He attended Pleasant Hill District 84 Meade County School for 8 years. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1942. He attended the SD School of Mines and graduated from Colorado University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Oliver served 3 ½ years in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. After the war he worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA.

On December 17, 1948, Oliver married Dorothy Stannus of Spearfish while in Seattle. In 1950 they moved to the family ranch northwest of Spearfish in the Redwater River Valley, where they have lived since.

Oliver was a member of the SD Stockgrowers Association, SD Multiple Use Coalition, Spearfish Livestock Grazing Association, VFW, American Legion, Spearfish Historical Society, Lawrence County Historical Society and a 50 year member of the Spearfish Masonic Lodge AF&AM #18. He was honored to have been part of the Elder's Wisdom Program at East Elementary School in Spearfish.

Oliver is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; sister, Evelyn Ohlen of Rapid City, SD; son, John Swanson and wife Brenda of Spearfish; daughters, Marilyn Drolc and husband Daniel of Ralph, SD, and Patricia Dias and husband Greg of Spearfish. Grandchildren are Anthony, Nathan and Carrie Swanson, Danelle Pierce and husband Kelly, Aaron Drolc, Laura Weber and husband Brian, Brandon and Carmen Dias. Great grandchildren are Bailee and Maddox Pierce and Gage Studer. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents.