MENDOTA - Our dear, big brother, Andrew F. Swanson, 63, passed away at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria on the evening of Dec. 15, 2021 after a brief illness.

A graveside service will be held at Restland Cemetery, Mendota in January with Rev. Mary Bohall officiating. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Andy was born July 27, 1958 to Albert and Jean (Watkins) Swanson of Mendota.

Survivors include two brothers, Brian of Island Lake and Colin (Sharon) of Pasco, Wash.; a sister, Dennet of Island Lake; four nieces and two nephews; five (almost six) great-nephews; an uncle, C. Leslie (Lois) Swanson of Anniston, Ala.; two cousins, Laurie (George) Wright of Atlanta, Ga. and Heather Rundell of Mendota, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, August and Bertha (Graham) Swanson of Malden; his maternal grandparents, Orrie and Shirley (Holcomb) Watkins of Moline; an uncle, Roger Swanson of Malden; an uncle and aunt, P. John and Sharon (Watkins) Harris of Mendota/Arlington; and a cousin, Linda Swanson of Dunlap.

Andy was raised in Mendota graduated from Mendota High School. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. At various times, he was a newspaper deliveryman, a janitor, and a security guard. He also was the primary caretaker of his parents, allowing them to stay in their home in Mendota until their deaths. As a boy, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and fostered a love of the outdoors – especially fishing, which continued throughout his life. He enjoyed walking around town and would happily strike up a conversation with anyone who had the time to listen. Most recently, he lived in LaSalle where he pursued a small crafting business out of his home.

The family wishes to thank the LaSalle Veterans Affairs office, the staff at IVCH St. Margaret’s Hospital, Peru and the staff at OSF Hospital in Peoria for their care and assistance to Andy. We especially are grateful to and want to thank Chief Mike Smudzinski and his officers and staff at the LaSalle Police Department for going far above and beyond any expectations in watching out for and helping Andy. At this most special time of the year when families are coming together to celebrate, please spend an extra moment appreciating those still with you and remembering those who are missing.

Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.