Lawrence J. Swanson

Lawrence J. “Larry” Swanson, 82 of Carmel, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024.  Larry was born August 21, 1941 in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Lorenzo J. and Ora A. (Thompson) Swanson. He was the widower of Susan (Sue) Joan Swanson.

Larry proudly attended Purdue University where he was a trombone player for the All-American Marching Band.  He graduated with a Pharmacy degree and began working for Walgreens. Initially he was a Pharmacist, but then moved to various management roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as the District Manager for all of New Mexico and West Texas, and then ending his career overseeing portions of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana before his retirement in 1997.  He was liked by many associates for his leadership, mentoring and overall care and concern for them.

Larry was an active member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church. One of the proudest legacies he leaves behind for him and his late wife Sue was the support for the Comfort Dog Ministry at Cornerstone, which has served countless individuals and communities in times of need. 

Larry and his late wife Sue were avid sports fans, especially of the Purdue Boilermakers and Chicago Cubs, but also the Colts, Bears, Saints and others.  They have fond memories tailgating for Purdue football games on Slayter Hill, where they could visit with many friends and family and also watch the Purdue Marching Band, which they loved.  They enjoyed various sports-related road trips, including the Rose Bowl and several Super Bowls.

Larry also cherished time with his seven grandchildren and getting to spend time with them outdoors on the lake, or attending their various events and programs.  Traveling to see the kids and grandkids was a highlight of his retirement years.  He enjoyed many nights with family and friends, along with a cold beer or whisky on the rocks.

Larry gave back to the community in several ways through service and felt it was an honor to be able to help so many.  He especially enjoyed his time with SCORE helping small business owners.  He also volunteered his time for many years as a tax return preparer for those in need, especially the elderly and poor. 

Larry will be remembered for his incredible love for his wife Sue, who preceded him in death by two years and was missed every day.  His sense of humor, dedication, hard work, and willingness to help others are traits he carried with him his whole life.  He was a pretty good Euchre player as well!

A Memorial Service to honor Larry’s life will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E Main Street, Carmel, IN 46033. Family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 am until the time of service.

Larry is survived by his children, Kristina (Brian) Monson, Eric Swanson, Marc (Jennifer) Swanson; grandchildren, Birgitta Monson, Mason Swanson, Karena Monson, Ashton Swanson, Carter Swanson, Luke Swanson, and Victoria Swanson. He was preceded in passing by his sister, Jean Swanson.

The family would especially like to thank the wonderful staff at the Barrington of Carmel for their incredible loving care they provided to Larry and Sue over the years.  They were blessed to live there for so many years. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Lutheran Church care of the Comfort Dog Ministry, at cornerstonelutheran.church.  Please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.