John Swanson, 61, sadly passed away on June 10, 2023, at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI with his family by his side after a boating accident.

John was born on October 5, 1961, in Chicago to parents Arthur and Sharlene Swanson. Through the years he resided in Chicago, Pound, Marinette, and Peshtigo where he graduated from high school in 1980. In 1997, he and his family moved to West De Pere where they currently reside.

John was a hard worker and during his life he was employed at Menominee Paper, K&K Warehouse, Leicht Transfer & Storage and Master Fleet. He later found his niche in the EMS field and joined both De Pere and Allouez as a paid-on-call firefighter before pursuing an EMT license. Once licensed, he was briefly employed by Gold Cross Ambulance and Country Rescue. John discovered that he not only was good at his job, but he could teach others as well. He taught and assisted in various EMS classes at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. In 2007, he began working as an EMT for Bell Ambulance in Milwaukee. John was a dedicated employee and had a special talent in mentoring and training others. During his career, Bell Ambulance made him part of their cadet program and he earned a position of Field Training Officer. To John, Bell Ambulance was not only his employer, but the company and his coworkers became his "bonus family".

Since he did not feel like he had enough on his plate, in 2014, John and his son Andy started their own custom apparel and promotional items company, Wisconsin Graphics LLC. As they worked together, the business grew, as did their father/son bond.

John knew that life was not solely about working, but also playing. His passion was sailing and being on the water. He enjoyed the competitiveness of racing either on his own boat or as a crew member on other boats. In 2014, he achieved one of his lifelong dreams and sailed the Chicago-Mac on Paradox with Andy as one of the crew. There was a standing invitation to all to stop by the boat for a visit or a light of a quick one; even better if he could convince you to go for a sail.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lori, his son Andy (Mackenzie) of Green Bay, parents Arthur and Sharlene Swanson of Porterfield, sister Christine (Ed) Langer of Marinette, brothers Jim (Sarah) Swanson and David (Nikki) Swanson, both of Peshtigo, along with many nieces and nephews too numerous to name but loved, nonetheless. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kelly and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Family and friends may visit at St. John Lutheran Church, 1700 Lost Dauphin Road, De Pere, beginning at noon on Monday, June 19, 2023. The funeral service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Cindy Warmbier-Meyer officiating. A celebration of life gathering at T&C Pub and Grill, 1358 Mid Valley Dr., De Pere, will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Joey Shepro/John Swanson Memorial, a double-handed sailboat race and annual fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish foundation held by the M&M Yacht Club, PO Box 232, Menominee, MI 49858. John was a co-founder of this race and this year the Shepro family is honoring us by adding John's name as part of the memorial.

If anyone has any clothing or hats made by Wisconsin Graphics, please wear them to the funeral or Celebration of Life. John was instrumental in creating some of the designs and it is a way to show everyone the talent he possessed.

Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences.