Dr. Loren J. Swanson age 93, died Thursday, August 25, 2011 at Harmony of Madison. Born on August 23, 1918 in Marinette, he was the son of the late Loren and Lillie (Beckstrom) Swanson. Loren attended Marinette High School and graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego, CA, when the family moved there after his father's death in 1933. In 1941, Loren graduated with honors from Colorado State University in Veterinary Medicine. It was also at CSU that he met the "Love of His Life", Margaret Jean Stone, and the couple was married on July 8, 1942 in Fort Collins, CO. After marriage they settled in Bonduel where Loren started what would become the Village Veterinary Clinic, a career he continued for the next 37 years. Loren was a member of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association and served on the State Board of Veterinary Examiners for 8 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity which started during college at CSU. Loren was active in the Bonduel community and a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served as Elder, Chairman of the Congregation, sang in the Men's Choir, and played in the Hand bell Choir. He also served as Village President for seven years and was President of the Bonduel School Board. As a charter member of the Rotary Club, he served as President, Secretary, and District Governor from 1974-75, and received the Paul Harris Award. He was also a member and President of the Shawano County Library Board for several years. Together, the couple helped start the AFS Program in Bonduel and welcomed Bonduel's first AFS student, Solvor Kolsrud of Norway, to their home. They were also charter members of the Bonduel Community Archives. After retiring, Loren had more time for his many interests which included gardening, woodworking, "Swanson's Sugar Bush," spending time with his grandchildren, volunteering, reading, and traveling. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe and especially loved their trip to Scandinavia to visit Solvor Kolsrud as well as Loren's Swedish relatives. In 2007 Loren and Margaret moved to Madison to live in a Retirement Community near their daughter, Mary Jo. Although Loren's father died when Loren was only 15, his words became the motto by which Loren lived his entire life: "When a job has once begun, do not quit until it's done. Be it big, or be it small... do it well, or not at all." Loren is survived by: his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret; children, Mary Jo (Phil) Olson of McFarland, Martha (Richard Habighorst) Swanson of Neenah, Rob (Gloria) Swanson of Bonduel; grandchildren, Rebecca (David) Stockwell, Anne (Jason) Napieralski, Alan Scheer, Rachel (Dave) Setzke, Bonnie (Brian) Rossi; 7 great-grandchildren, Noah and Elliot Stockwell, Bella Rossi, Max and Oscar Napieralski, Lillianna and Aidan Setzke; a cousin, Joellen Maddock; and nieces and nephews. Loren was preceded in death by: his parents; his sister, Marian Kirk Bates; and his son-in-law, Jon Porter. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 2, 2011 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bonduel. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday after 10am until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bonduel Community Archives, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, or a Charity of your choice. Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel is assisting the family with the arrangements. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 The family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Assisted Living and the staff at Harmony of Madison for their kindness, support and positive attitude.