Arne "Swede" Swanson, 75, of Freeport, IL, passed away on August 9, 2025. He was born on January 1, 1950 at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport, to Sig and Elsa (Carlson) Swanson. He was a graduate of Pecatonica School and Rock Valley College and would later serve in the Marines. He married Cindy Snyder on May 18, 1996. He was a school bus driver for Pecatonica schools following his retirement as a semi driver for UPS. He was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife Cindy, son Jon (Ashley) Swanson, daughter Kati (Todd) Penkava, stepson Bobby (Cristina) Smith, stepdaughter PJ and the late Rob Ellsworth, brothers Dennis (Jacqui) Swanson and Loren (Judy) Swanson; grandchildren: Elsa, Jackson, Julien Swanson, Jayden & Kailee Gorham, Elay & Will Penkava, Stella Smith, Gui Freitas, Jake Ellsworth and Riley Kauth; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Sig & Elsa (Carlson) Swanson, grandson Tanner Swanson, brothers Lee and David Swanson, step son-in-law Rob Ellsworth.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM, with visitation at 9:30 AM, at Bethany United Church of Christ, 2341 W. Stephenson St in Freeport, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family.