Kenneth LeRoy Swanson “Sonny”, age 92 of Big Lake, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024. He was born in Big Lake, MN, on August 9, 1932 to Clarence and Helen (Hansen) Swanson.

Sonny loved the farm. Although he had no children and never married, he was loved dearly by his brothers and sisters, and all his relatives. His nieces, nephews and cousins could probably all tell you about all the fun things they did with him and also how he helped them. Sonny had a heart of gold and loved kids.

He had a passion for fishing and loved going to Canada every year on fishing trips. He also took fishing trips to Lake Michigan to catch salmon. Sonny also loved ice fishing in Minnesota and going to Canada to ice fish Lake Trout. He did a lot of snowmobiling to fish Lake Trout.

Sonny loved playing cribbage and spent a great deal of time playing with whoever wanted to play, but especially with Norbert Wolf. They would often play until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. Norbert was also a good fishing partner.

Sonny and his brother, Denny, often did things together. They went on Canadian fishing trips and Denny helped with the beautiful garden they had. They also bought a place up by Warba, MN, for hunting, which they had for a few years.

We always had Christmas Eve at the farm. Sonny enjoyed seeing everybody and would like to get the Crown Royal out for a Christmas Toast. It was a very special time for everyone.

Winter was Sonny’s favorite time of the year. He had more time to do the things he loved because he only had to take care of the cows. Sonny loved the cold, it never seemed to bother him when he was younger. He could stay out ice fishing and never seem to get cold.

Things will never be the same without Sonny. The farm and Sonny were such a special place for all of us, so many good memories that will always be cherished.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen Swanson; and sisters, Laverne, Shirley, Dianne.

Sonny is survived by his siblings, Dennis (Vera) Swanson, Marvin (Cheryl) Swanson, Orville (Anne) Swanson, Barb (Jack) Leeman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Funeral service will be held Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Saron Lutheran Church in Big Lake, MN. Burial with Military Rites following at Greenwood Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.