Carl William Swanson

Carl William (Bill) Swanson (1948–2024)

Bill Swanson was born on February 13, 1948, in

Blaine, WA, to Carl William and Dorothy Lieu

(McNeil) Swanson. He passed away peacefully on

April 24, 2024, in Peoria, AZ.

During his formative years at the US Forest

Service's Ranger Stations in Washington and

Idaho, Bill developed a strong commitment to

service thanks to accompanying his father on

ranger duties. This early experience played a

significant role in shaping his character and

commitment to service. Despite relocating to Utah

and Alaska, Bill remained dedicated to his calling.

He graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School

in 1966 and faced the decision between pursuing

a career as a minister or in law enforcement. True

to his spirit, Bill chose to pursue both paths simultaneously.

In 1966, Bill began his academic journey with pre-ministerial theology at Concordia College in

Portland, OR. Amidst the Vietnam War, while many young men sought education deferment to

avoid the draft, Bill enlisted in the US Air Force. He served until 1969, when he received a

hardship discharge and returned home. Subsequently, he joined the Alaska State Troopers and

dedicated 20 years of service across various outposts in Alaska before retiring in 1990.

Transitioning to theology in 1994, Bill dedicated the following three decades to the Roman

Catholic Church. He spent 17 years at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church - Archdiocese

of Seattle, followed by 13 years at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

Bill’s family was always his top priority; he adored his wife, four children, and six grandchildren.

Passionate about the outdoors, Bill enjoyed passing his knowledge of nature and fishing to his

offspring. A skilled woodworker, he delighted in creating gifts for loved ones and even selling

some of his handicrafts. Constantly working in his shed, Bill undertook house construction and

renovation projects and restored his grandparents’ furniture. Renowned for his thriving garden

and lawn, he took pride in tending to it, and he was thrilled about his beloved German Shepherd

Dog named Gretchen.

Bill is survived by his wife of 38 years, Loretta Ann (MacInnis) Swanson. He is also survived by

two children: Dannika Ann (Ryan Cody) Cody and Kireena Claire Johnson. In addition, he had

two children with Delores Jean Young: Karl William (Rebecca Peterson) Swanson and Shawn

Edwin Swanson. Bill also leaves six grandchildren - Tristan, CJ, Lisa, Hannah, Chance, and

Grant. His sisters, Violet Thetford and Karen Swanson-Woolf (Bill Woolf), and numerous uncles,

aunts, cousins, and friends mourn his passing. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Carl

William and Dorothy Lieu (McNeil) Swanson, and two grandchildren, Aurora Chase and Ranger

Carl.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Mary Star of the Sea online or at 1335

Blaine Street, Port Townsend, Jefferson, WA, 98368,

or make a donation to the Fraternal Order

of Alaska State Troopers, Inc., 245 W 5th Ave., Ste 112, Anchorage, AK 99501, to promote

goodwill toward and among Alaska State Troopers