Obituary: Carl A. Swanson

Nov. 4, 1959 – Feb. 7, 2020

Carl A. Swanson, 60, of Baileys Harbor died at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Carl was diagnosed with a glioblastoma last fall.

He was born in Aurora, Illinois, to Kermit and Jean (White) Swanson. Carl grew up in Naperville, Illinois. He attended Beloit College and North Central College, where he earned his BA in philosophy and English.

In the early 1980s, he and his college sweetheart, Ann Claire Hamilton, moved to Massachusetts, where Carl worked as a security guard and played in various music groups. He was self-taught in guitar and particularly enjoyed playing slide guitar and the blues. His love and knowledge of music stayed with him and grew throughout his life. Carl and Ann were married Aug. 29, 1985.

In 1990, he and Ann moved to Door County to work and raise their family. Ann was diagnosed with leukemia and died Aug. 11, 1995. Carl raised his two daughters, Rachael and Sarah, while running his custom woodworking/furniture business. He was innovative and creative, dedicated to finding his own approaches to design and problem-solving. His journey toward health following a 2008 liver transplant is a testament to his strength, courage and perseverance.

Carl enjoyed spending time in the woods, especially snowshoeing and observing the natural changes that each season brought. He was an avid reader of history, specifically Civil War and Viking history.

Survivors include his two daughters, Rachael Swanson of Baileys Harbor and Sarah Bergwin of Sister Bay; son-in-law, Michael Bergwin; grandchildren, Leif, Owen, and Zetta; fiancée, Sara Foster of Niagara, Wisconsin; and his sister, Jude Teicher of Sister Bay.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Kermit and Jean Swanson; wife, Ann; and brother, John Swanson.

A gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2-3:55 pm, at Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay, 2594 S. Bay Shore Drive. A service of remembrance will follow at 4 pm at Casperson.

Please sign online guest book, leave condolences, share pictures and view a pictorial tribute at caspersonfuneralhome.com.