Elsmore, KS - J. Edward Swanson, 85, of Elsmore, Kansas passed away, December 24, 2008 at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City. He was born April 16, 1923 at Elsmore, Kansas, the son of Harold and Elida (Lindstrom) Swanson. He attended Elsmore schools, graduating from Elsmore High school in 1941. On June 26, 1945 J. Edward was united in marriage to Eleanor "Rusty" Butts at Elsmore. This union was blessed with three sons. J. Edward was a farmer and rancher. He was a member of the Friends Home Lutheran Church, and the Elsmore Ruritan. He also served on the church and school boards. He enjoyed fishing and playing golf, as well as drawing pictures for his grandchildren. J. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and his wife on March 22, 2005. He is survived by three sons, Jerry Swanson and wife, Brenda, of Elsmore, Brad Swanson and wife, Anne, of Winfield, Kansas, and Keith Swanson and wife, Rosemary, of Olathe, Kansas; a brother, Dean Swanson of Yates Center, Kansas; a sister, Mary Lou O'Brien of St. Paul, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Kim Church and husband, Eric, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Stacey Lhuillier and husband, Todd, of Elsmore, Douglas Swanson, Shayla Swanson, and Amanda Maples and husband Paul, all of Winfield, Kansas, Carie Bartel of Andover, Kansas, Zachary Swanson, Matthew Swanson, and Caleb Swanson all of Olathe, Kansas, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 29, 2008 at the Friends Home Lutheran Church, Savonburg. Burial will follow in the Swedish Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Sunday evening at the funeral home in Moran. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends Home Lutheran Church and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.