Rev. Obed Everett Swanson, 81, of Altoona died Friday, December 1, 2006, at Clairemont Nursing and Rehabilitation in Eau Claire. He was born in Waukegan, Illinois on April 15, 1925, the son of Ernest&Betsy (Tiegland) Swanson. In 1945 he graduated from Great Lakes Bible Institute in Zion, IL and later was ordained to the ministry by the Wisconsin / Northern Michigan District of the Assemblies of God Fellowship. He assisted his father in ministry in the Eau Claire Assembly of God Church for several years, taught in church youth camps, and was active in jail ministry. Also, he and his father worked together as building contractors in the Eau Claire area.\r\nIn 1969 he married Lola I. Nichols in Eau Claire. Obed then pastored the Assembly of God Church in Galesville, WI from 1969 to 1989, and after retiring from pastoring, was still active in ministry in nursing homes to the shut-ins. Since he and his wife were both talented musically, music was an important part of their ministry. He mostly enjoyed singing with his wife Lola during their ministry.\r\nIt was always a great joy for him to spend time with his grandchildren. \r\nObed is survived by his wife, Lola; a daughter, Tami (Randy Bradford) Swanson of Eau Claire; three lovely grandchildren, Cheraya, Devin and Shayla all of Eau Claire; five sisters-in-law, Raquel Swanson, Virginia Smith, June Tuton, Alice (Jim) Rapp, and Naomi Nichols-Lawell; brother-in-law, David (Deb) Nichols; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Deloris in infancy and Eudora Brown; and his brother, Duane.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 4, 2006, at Evangel Assembly of God with Revs. Steven Brandt and Michael Smith officiating. Interment will be in Lutheran Church Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Monday at the church.\r\n

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