Neal Swanson, 76, of La Porte, Ind., passed away peacefully at 2:03 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation, La Porte.
He was born Jan. 17, 1945, in La Porte to Clifford Swanson, Sr., and Margaret (Novreske) Swanson.
Neal graduated from La Porte High School in 1963. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1968 from Tri State University, Angola, Ind. Neal was a chess coach for La Porte schools for more than 10 years. He was a business manager for La Porte Community School Corp. for over 30 years. He was a percussionist for the La Porte City Band and La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. Neal was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, La Porte. He hand-made fireworks, including his invention of the Lampare. Neal was an annual attendee at the Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention and was a longtime member of PGI. He was also one of the founding members of the Heartland Pyrotechnics Association.
Surviving are his two sons, Warren (Hannah) Swanson of Federal Way, Wash., and Ben (Rachel) Swanson of Brookline, Mass.; three siblings, Linda (John) Erickson of La Porte, Kenny (Debbie) Swanson of Banning, Calif., and Sharon Buerger of Tucson, Ariz.; two grandchildren, Nathalie Swanson (age 8) and Cecilia Swanson (age 7); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Randall Swanson and Clifford J. Swanson, Jr.; and former wife, Kay Swanson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon Saturday, July 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, La Porte, with Father Nate Edquist officiating. Visitation and viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 16, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, La Porte. Burial will follow the service at St. Joseph Cemetery, La Porte.
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