Orville Swanson Jr, age 88 of Markesan passed away on December 23, 2023.  Orville was the son of Orville Swanson Sr. and Vera (Dressel) Swanson.  He was born on January 21, 1935 in Ottawa, MN.  He grew up in Green Lake and graduated from Green Lake High School.  He attended one year at Ripon College before entering the Navy in 1953.  He served 10 years in the Navy working on naval communications and served stateside, as well as in Guam, Japan, and Turkey.

Orville married Ardelle (Baker) Swanson on November 21, 1957 and stayed happily married for 66 years.  They had two sons, Steve Swanson of Arlington, WA and Jeff Swanson of Markesan, WI.  After serving in the Navy, Orville moved to Richland Center, WI for 44 years before moving back to Markesan in 2008.  He worked for 30 years as a switchman, starting with General Telephone Company and then retiring from Verizon.  Orville was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Markesan, the Abendroth-Connolly American Legion Post 282 in Markesan, and the Markesan Historical Society.

Orville is survived by his wife Ardelle (Baker) Swanson of Markesan, his brother Barry Swanson (Darcel) of Liberty Lake, WA, and sons Steve Swanson and Jeff Swanson (Lynda).  Grandsons Kyle Swanson (Tara), Curt Swanson (Samantha), Mike Swanson (Chelsea), and Kevin Dieter (Lisa).  Great grandchildren Destiny Swanson, Olivia Swanson, Willow Swanson, Lucas Swanson, Maddy Deiter, and Burgi Deiter.  Nieces and nephews – Scott Baker (Lori), Jodi Clewien (Ryan), Alyssa Swanson Morissette (Eric), Krista Swanson Earle (Shawn), and Sara Swanson Presol (Garrett).  As well as many more family and friends.

Orv started his journey with vascular dementia 5 years ago and did well initially.  He took a fall a year ago and he started his slow progression downward.  Each week was a surprise, but he was doing OK until about a month ago when he started declining quickly.  He was able to stay home under hospice care for one week and then transferred to a facility for one day before God called him home. The family thanks the Veterans Administration for all the care they provided over the past year.

Orv will always be lovingly and respectfully remembered as a man of great dignity, an easy laugh, and a big smile.  He will be missed.

In honoring his wishes, private family services will be held. Inurnment will take place at Markesan Cemetery.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family's guest book at www.cstonefs.com.