William Jerome Swanberg

William Jerome "Bill" Swanberg, age 77, of Astoria, died Sunday, July 31, 2011, in Astoria. He was born Jan. 29, 1934, in Omaha, Neb., to Walter Frederick and Julia Amelia (Mason) Swanberg. In 1940, the family moved to Portland, where he attended Holy Redeemer Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, then returned to Portland. On Aug. 25, 1962, he married Shelley Robinson in Portland. They later divorced. The family settled in Portland before coming to Astoria Aug. 1, 1966. Mr. Swanberg worked as a lineman and later a splicer for the phone company. He retired in 1991. He was a member of the American Legion, Telephone Pioneers and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Family members said his hobbies included fishing, farming, clamming and gardening. He enjoyed canning his own produce and the fish he caught. He also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Bailey. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Eddie Beers of Warrenton and Julie and Jay Englund of Astoria; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Tamela Swanberg of Ellensberg, Wash.; six grandchildren, Lisa Alfonse, Nicholas Tagg and David Swanberg II, all of Warrenton, Winnie Swanberg of Seaside and Nadine and Clay Englund of Astoria; three great-grandchildren, Xander Baum and Ceinna Alfonse of Warrenton and Lillie Swanberg of Seaside; his companion, Virginia "Ginny" Shepherd of Astoria; a sister, Joan Bruneau of Portland; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter Swanberg Jr. and Robert and Donald Swanberg; and a sister, Darlene Jordan. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave. Visitation will also be held from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 9 N. Rosa Parks Way in Portland, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. After the service, burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 333 S.W. Skyline Blvd. in Portland. Memorial contributions may be given to Lower Columbia Hospice, 486 12th St., Astoria, OR 97103. Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com