Surnames: Swenson, LaChapelle, Hart

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin) 3 Dec. 1992; Page 14 -Swenson, John (11 June 1894 - 30 Nov. 1992)

John Swenson of Neillsville memorial Home, died Monday, November 30, 1992. He was 98 years old.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 3, at the United Methodist Church, Neillsville. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday at the church.

Reverend Thomas LaChapelle officiated. Grandsons served as pallbearers and as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Neillsville City Cemetery, Neillsville. Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post #73 and Wilson-Haintz VFW #2241 conducted military graveside rites.

John was born June 11, 1894, at Meridean, WI. His parents were Anton and Britta Swenson. He married Maysel Hart, September 28, 1922, in Eau Claire, WI. They were married 64 years. She died April 11, 1987.

John attended school in Meridean, WI. He attended Commercial school at the University of Southern Minnesota in Austin, for one year. He worked as various jobs until May 1917, when he enlisted in the U. S. Army. He served in World War I, spending almost two years in France. John was discharged June 11, 1919.

John was employed in General Store operations in Rusk and Rock Falls, from 1921 - 1929. He was employed by Montgomery Ward in Menomonie from 1929 - 1932.

John came to Neillsville as the manager of the grocery department of the Farmer’s Store (1933 - 1948). He later owned and operated the West Side Grocery store in Neillsville from 1948 -1959. He then bought the Neillsville Bottling works, which he operated until 1962. Until his retirement at age 85, John managed the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel in Neillsville.

He was a member of the American Legion, the V. F. W. and the Neillsville Methodist Church.

Survivors include four sons, Calvin, James, and Charles, all of Neillsville, and Jon of Westfield. There are ten grandchildren and 15great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maysel, an infant son, four sisters, one brother, and two half-sisters.