Nov.
21, 1905 - April 8, 2010SOUTH BEND - Helge Sven Erik Swanson, of South Bend, IN, passed away on April 8, 2010. He was born November 21, 1905, in Balarjd, Sweden and came to this country at the age of 22. He spent most of his life in South Bend except for several years in Booneville, Arkansas. His parents, Sven and Maria Svenson, his sister and brother-in-law, Ingeborg and Torston Brage and a nephew, Sven Eric Brage preceded him in death. In 1928 after serving in the Swedish Calvary, he immigrated to the United States. On September 21, 1940, he married Agnes Baldoni. After 66 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on April 18, 2007. Helge is survived by three daughters and their families. Karen Swanson and Sylvia Long of South Bend and Lori (Michael) Mroczek of Edwardsburg, MI. Four grandchildren, Michelle (Stephen) Megyese of Mishawaka, Dylan Long of Portland, OR, Shawn (Leah) Miller of South Bend and Kassidy (Robert) Zylka of Toledo, OH. Five great grandchildren, Matthew and Amanda Megyese, Austin Abbott of Walkerton, Gabriel Walta of South Bend and Kaylie Zylka of Toledo, OH. Also surviving is his family residing in Sweden; his nephew, Sven (Rose Marie) Brage and their daughters, Anna (Thomas) Bjorklund and Marie (Mathias) Bertilssen. Other surviving family members include, his sister-in-law, Phyllis Baldoni, nieces and nephews, Ideal (Judith Ann) Baldoni, Jeanne Hougland, Nat (Nancy) Baldoni, Sue (Jim) Shyman, Sam (Sharon) Baldoni, Beth Ann Baldoni, Mary Jo (Curtis) Blankenship, Debby (Randy) Foster, LuAnn Baldoni and their families. Helge was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Vasa Order of America (a Scandinavian organization) and Howard Park Retirement Center. He used his lifetime membership to the Fitness USA Health Spa regularly. He was also a member of the Swedish American Historical Society and Allied Industrial Workers of America. He graduated from Acme School of Die Design in South Bend and was employed by Bendix Corporation, South Bend Tool & Die, Mishawaka Tool & Die (Eberhart Steel) and retired from Wolverine Toy Company, Booneville, AR in 1980. Helge spent many relaxing hours in his home feeding and watching the squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and birds in his backyard. He also enjoyed watching tennis and golf especially if the participants were of Scandinavian decent. The family wants to thank the staff at Southfield Village for the loving care and attention they gave their father while he was there. Friends may call from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend and one hour prior to the services Monday at church. Services will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 E. Haney St. South Bend, IN at 11 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2010. Rev. Jeff Zell will be officiating. Burial and Graveside services will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Contributions may be offered to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 E. Haney St., South Bend, IN 46613. Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.