Wayne Elmer Swanson

Wayne Elmer Swanson, 87, of Ogallala, NE, passed away on February 23, 2025, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Draucker Funeral Home in Ogallala, with Pastor Curt Magelky officiating. A private inurnment for the family will take place at West Cedar Valley Cemetery in Elgin, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Wayne was born on January 15, 1938, in Elgin, NE, to Elmer George and Ida Jellico (Matson) Swanson. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School in 1955. In January 1959, Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving until September 1962, when he received an honorable discharge.

After his military service, Wayne returned to Nebraska and worked at Dale Electronics in Columbus before joining Consumers Public Power (now NPPD) in Norfolk. On January 27, 1963, he married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Joan (Hawks), in Elgin. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure, raising four children: Monti, Christine, Lori, and John.

The family lived in Columbus and Norfolk before settling in Ogallala in 1972. Wayne dedicated 33 years to NPPD, retiring on October 31, 1996, as the Western Area Substation Supervisor. Even in retirement, Wayne remained active, pursuing his passion as a self-employed locksmith, a craft he truly enjoyed.

Wayne was a man of many interests. He had a passion for locksmithing, and photography, loved connecting through Amateur Radio, and was known for his humor and spirited presence on social media—often landing himself in “Facebook Jail,” much to the amusement of his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria; his parents, Elmer and Ida Swanson; his sisters: Margy (Charles) Bartak, Mildred (Lloyd) Smith, and Norma (Kenneth) Peters; his brother, Wesley Swanson; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Swanson; grandson, Keith Adams; and granddaughter, Annika Swanson.

Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He is survived by his children: Monti Swanson, Christine (Darrell) O’Neal, Lori (Marty) Widger, and John (Lindsay) Swanson; his grandchildren: Calvin Swanson, Joseph Swanson, Brandi Adams, Dusty Swanson, Seth Adams, Dylan Widger, Kira Widger, Rebecca Swanson, Christian Swanson, and Katrina Swanson; and his great-grandchildren: Logan Swanson, Penellope Swanson, Topanga Swanson, Brecken Zona, Brooklyn Zona, Alex Swanson, Kyson Schnell, Shalea Schnell, and Levi De La Fuente.

Wayne is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

His warmth, humor, and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Online condolences may be sent by going to www.drauckerfh.com.

Services will be live-streamed and can be watched by visiting www.drauckerfh.com and clicking the watch live button.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements.