Norman Swanson

Norman Paul Swanson, 86 passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016 at his home in Indian Shores, Florida. Norman was born October 4, 1930 to Verner and Thada Swanson in Chicago, Illinois, the oldest of 3 children.

Norman married his beloved wife and best friend Mary in 1974. Mary passed away on August 4, 2016.

Norman had a remarkable sports career and many honors. He was inducted into the Schurz High School Sport Hall of Fame, University of Detroit Sport Hall of Fame and Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. He was given a full scholarship at the University of Detroit for sports. He was chosen by the U of D student body three times as the Athlete of the Year for track and basketball. Norman played in the best basketball conference in the country at that time, The Missouri Valley Conference. He was high scorer in the conference for 2 years, second high scorer in the conference for 1 year and All Conference for 3 years. Norman played with the All-American All-Stars against the Harlem Globe Trotters and Minnesota Lakers. He played in the East/West All Star Game in Madison Square Garden. Norman was chosen for the All-American Basketball Team in 1951 and 1952. He was chosen for the Legends Basketball Team at the University of Detroit. Norman was drafted in the 2nd round of the NBA draft by the Rochester Royals.

After leaving the NBA, Norman began his long career in city sales at the Stroh Brewery Company in Detroit, Michigan. He eventually became Vice President of Sales at Stroh’s and retired after 43 years of loyal service. He was very well known and had many friends in the beer business industry.

Norman loved to spend time with his family and friends. He really enjoyed fishing, going to the shooting range, watching old movies and watching sports. He loved to gamble on sports and the horses. He was an avid reader and had a great memory. He was Vice President of the Good Sport Foundation in Detroit for 15 years. Norman was the patriarch of our entire family and will be greatly missed.

Norman is survived by his daughter, Susan (Elton) Rothwell; son, Vern (Cindy) Swanson; daughter Karen (Ron) Rice; sister, Nancy (Russ) Vanselow and his 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine Swanson who passed away in 1968, his sister Jacqueline Krumwiede, his niece Kimberly Krumwiede, his nephew Russell Vanselow and his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 4, at 10:00am for visitation and service at 11:00 am at Serenity Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Goodsports.org

Good Sports gives kids nationwide the benefits of sport and physical activity by providing new equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need.

Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online at: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Norman-Swanson&lc=4681&pid=182819181&mid=7184289