Cleland Ellsworth Swanson, 93, of Owatonna, died Thursday, May 12, 2016 peacefully in his sleep at Homestead Hospice House surrounded by his family. Cleland was born June 3, 1922 in Le Sueur, Minnesota the son of Elmer and Esther (Miller) Swanson. He married Donna Frentz, his high school sweetheart, on August 12, 1942. They lived in San Diego, CA, then moved to Minnesota and lived in Austin, Le Sueur, and St. Peter for a while then 40 years in Kenyon and moved to Owatonna in 2006. Cleland served in the Marines during WWII in the Pacific Islands. Cleland worked many jobs throughout his life including: as a teen he worked in the grocery store, was a milk man, a farmer for many years, a skilled carpenter, owned a cabinet shop, was a foreman finish carpenter for Orrin Thompson Homes, and built homes. Cleland loved playing pool, watching wrestling on television, a dealer in flea markets, where he loved meeting all the people. Cleland was known for his quiet and gentle ways, sweet smile, twinkle in his eye, and smirk. He never complained or asked for anything. He is survived by his five children, Sandra (Derald) Telschow, Owatonna, MN, Muriel (Dan) Klatt, Owatonna, MN, Sue (Gene) Theuer, Baudette, MN, Debbie (Kevin) Estrem, Colorado Springs, CO, Don (RaeAnn) Swanson, Monticello, MN; 6 grandchildren, Shari (Joe) Wickman, Owatonna, MN, Lori (Rich) Anderson, Owatonna, MN, Brenda (Curt) Homeier, Owatonna, MN, Cassi (Daniel) Garcia, Broomfield, CO, Taylor (Brittney) Swanson, Centerville, MN, Mitch (Francie) Swanson, Eagan, MN; 5 great grandchildren, Taryn, Dalton, Derek, Trevor and Brad; brother, Robert Swanson, Faribault, MN and his extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Swanson (2014); sister, Virginia; and sister-in-law, Alice Swanson. Visitation will be at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 309 Forest Street, Kenyon, MN 55946 on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with The Reverend Luther Mathsen officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Military honors will be conducted by the Kenyon Color Guard. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visitation: 05/18/2016 10:00 05/18/2016 11:00 Service: Kenyon 05/18/2016 11:00