Heimer William Swanson, 93, of Owatonna, died Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Traditions II. He was born November 10, 1922 in Thief River Falls the son of Charlie and Marcia (Dobson) Swanson. Heimer attended country school and Crookston Ag School before attending the Univ. of Minnesota where received his Bachelors Degree in Ag Education. He taught for many years in Lake Benton and Pipestone, retiring from teaching in 1987. During WW II Heimer served in the US Army in the 82nd Airborne. He was a member of the Veterans Association of 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and wrote the book, Twist, Tangles & Turns, about his military service. While in Pipestone he sang with the Pipestone Male Chorus and the Al Opland Singers. In retirement, he went to Harmony College for barbershop singing and music arranging. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and Kiwanis in Pipestone, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Owatonna, and Minnesota Education Association. He is survived by his wife, Vera Swanson of Owatonna; son, Richard (and Cheryl) Swanson of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Marcia (and Mark) Anderson of Owatonna; grandchildren, Eric (and Alyson) Swanson, Ryan (and Heather) Swanson, Meghan Swanson, Zach Swanson, Karin Anderson, Kjerstin Anderson; great grandchildren, Cadence Swanson, Brooklyn Swanson; sister, Margaret (and Leonard) Litzner of Brooklyn Park, Ethel (and Loren) St. Michel of Oakdale and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughters, Kathryn Swanson, Cynthia Swanson; 4 sisters; 3 brothers. Visitation will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Saturday from 9:30am to 10:30am. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:30am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with The Reverend John Weisenburger officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ALS Association, Our Savior's Lutheran Church music program or to the donor's choice. Visitation: 01/09/2016 09:30 01/09/2016 10:30 Service: 01/09/2016 10:30