d actively farming with Merlyn until 2010, when due to health issues he began focusing his attention on management of the farm. Although Howard never lost his passion for learning - especially in the fields of science, he loved his life on the farm and never once regretted the decision to raise his family there and devote his life to his work. Howard loved to watch auto racing and for his 90th birthday he made a trip to Talladega Speedway, where he got to take six laps in a NASCAR vehicle doing over 160 MPH! He was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and was more than excited when they won the World Series. He also enjoyed when his family would get together on the farm for a few days of celebration with plenty of food and games. He was an avid reader and kept up with subscriptions of multiple magazines, such as National Geographic, Popular Science, Scientific American and Popular Mechanics. Howard Paul Swanson, died Monday, June 26, 2017, at the age of 92. Howard was a devoted and much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Family and friends will forever remember him as a man who was kind and generous beyond measure. He was a supportive mentor and role model who was always ready and willing to share his wealth of knowledge as well as his innate sense of humor. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, H. Aileen Swanson of Lu Verne, IA; children, Paul D. (Terry) Swanson of Pensacola, FL, Donald K. (Cindy) Swanson of Ames, IA and Kathy Armstrong of Chaska, MN; grandchildren, Brett Swanson and his fiancé (Karen), Arielle Swanson, Tyler Swanson, Lauren (Matt) Swanson-Hurley, Mason Armstrong, Chad Armstrong and Courtney (Tyler) Datzman; great grandchildren, Jayden and Madison Datzman; siblings, Thelma Stoakes of Michigan City, IN, Phyllis Schwarck of Union, IA, Merlyn Swanson and Jerry Huggans of Lu Verne, IA and Linda (Bud) Dimmick of Hawarden, IA, as well and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Melinda Swanson and brothers-in-law, William Stoakes and Glen Schwarck.