Harley James Swanson

Harley James Swanson was born July 25, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska to Raymond and Anna (Korecky) Swanson. Harley grew up in Omaha and attended grade school at Sts. Peter and Paul, before graduating from Holy Name Catholic High School in 1961. Following high school, Harley studied for two years at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Growing up, Harley was active with the Omaha Saddle Club, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time on the farm, and loved cruising in his 1963 Ford Galaxy Convertible. Harley enlisted in the United States Army in May 1964. He served in the Army for 3 years during the Vietnam War, until his honorable discharge in May 1967. During his enlistment, Harley married Ann Marie Brabec on August 7, 1965, at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson, Nebraska, and to this union, 6 children were born: Michele, Pamela, Michael, Jeffrey, Thomas, and Anthony. Through the years, the family made their home in Clarksville, Tennessee and Omaha, before settling in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Harley worked for a few years with Lester Kranz Accounting and for many years as an office manager with Anderson Food Shops. He was active with the Lion’s Club, was a Boy Scout Leader, and a baseball coach. Harley was a family-oriented, meticulous, respectful (of mothers and country), loyal, but sometimes ornery man. He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and drinking a cold Pepsi. He looked forward to dinner at Lo Sole Mio’s, a fried chicken dinner, or Gummy’s spaghetti. He was a longtime baseball fan, and he loved watching the Kansas City Royals or attending a Mount Michael game. Harley still enjoyed going hunting and fishing, and cherished dancing with Ann, attending family gatherings, and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He had an appreciation for fine table manners (and hated poor table manners), had a notorious sweet tooth, and was a fabulous storyteller. Harley will be remembered as a kind-hearted man, who never met a stranger, and deeply loved his family. Harley passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 15 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Anna Swanson, his brother Richard Swanson, sister-in-law Judy Swanson, and brother-in-law Richard Monahan. Harley is survived by his wife Ann, daughters and sons-in-law Michele (Mike) Whitaker of Omaha, and Pamela (Kevin) French of Omaha, sons and daughters-in-law Michael (Tracy) Swanson of Fremont, NE, Jeffrey (Jill) Swanson of Harrison, AR, Tom (Chasity) Swanson of Omaha, and Anthony (Carly) Swanson of Omaha, 15 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, sister JoAnn Monahan, brothers-in-law Steve Brabec and Lumir Brabec, sister-in-law Marcy Skarda, and Bob and Elaine Malena. Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Monday, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Visitation Sunday at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn from 5-7 PM with a vigil service at 7 PM. Interment with military honors at Calvary Cemetery, Omaha. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for Masses or to Mt. Michael High School.

Harley James Swanson

July 25, 1943 - January 9, 2025