Gerald Dale Swanson May 16, 1939 - October 9, 2024

Gerald Dale Swanson, 85, of Central City died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in Central City at Long Term Care. Funeral services were Monday, October 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home. Visitation was from 1:00 – 2:00 on Monday October 14, 2024 at funeral home. Burial was in the Central City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Merrick County 4-H. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Gerald was born on May 16, 1939 to Oscar L. and Elmeda (Nelson) Swanson in Central City. He grew up in Central City and graduated from Central City High School in 1957. Gerald played baseball and football in high school.

Gerald had a small cow, calf operation and raised sheep. He sold some of his lambs to 4-H kids. Gerald was a 4-H leader for 18 years and the sheep Superintendent for the county fair for many years. He sold the sheep in 2009 and finally in 2019, he sold the cows. Gerald farmed all his life, raising corn and soybeans until retiring in 2006. He was on numerous boards and committees including the Board of Directors for Chapman Cooperative Credit Union and Chapman Elevator. Gerald was also the secretary for Lone Tree Township.

In 1963 Gerald married Betty Schutz. On May 26, 1979, he married Cathy DeWitt.

Those left to cherish Gerald’s memory are his wife- Cathy of Central City; his four children- Dale Swanson of Grand Island, Lynn Swanson of Central City, Jeff Swanson of Richardson, Texas and Kimberly Winnington of Elkton, Maryland. Stepson- Marty Stratton of Kearney. His sister-in-law Shelba Swanson of Central City. 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and a brother Melvin Swanson, stepson; Craig Stratton and stepdaughter Kristi Stratton.