Richard "Dick" Swanson

Richard “Dick” Swanson, 92, of Webster City, and formerly of Lehigh, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Briggs Woods Convention Center. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with serving the family.

Dick was born on April 8, 1933, and spent his formative years in Odebolt, Iowa. While attending school from kindergarten through 12th grade, Dick was active in several pursuits, including football, basketball, track, band, and vocal groups.

Following high school, Dick attended the University of Iowa, where he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduated with a business degree. It was at Iowa that he met Julie Hammerstrom, and the two married upon his graduation. The couple welcomed two children, Steven in 1958 and Sandra in 1961. Dick began his professional life as a salesman, first working for Rath Packing Co., and later for CNA Insurance Group.

A significant shift occurred in 1964 when the family moved to a farm near Lehigh, Iowa. Dick spent the next 30 years farming in partnership with his brother, John. During this time, his commitment to his community was evident through his extensive service and leadership. He served on the board of the United Methodist Church, was a member of the Webster County Pork Producers, and served as an at-large member for the Central Webster School Board. Dick was a charter member of the Lehigh Lions, dedicating many years of service as its Treasurer. He was also a member of the combined board of Webster County Extension & Webster County Fair, even holding the Chairman position during the critical move of the County Fair to its present location.

Outside of his civic and farming duties, Dick had one true passion: golf, and he was a dedicated member at both the Dayton and Briggs Woods golf courses. In 2000, his wife, Julie, passed away. Two years later, in 2002, he sold the Lehigh house and moved to Webster City to live with his new wife, Delma Miller.

Richard is survived by his wife, Delma of Webster City; son, Steve (Suzi) Swanson of Erie, CO; son-in-law, Wade (Janie) Weiss of Jefferson, IA; grandchildren, Sean, Ryan, Nicole and Shelby Swanson, and Adam (Chelsea), Neil (Taylor), and Jacob (Isabella) Weiss; great-grandchildren, Waylon, Sandi, Hal, Vonne, and Genevieve Weiss; Delma’s sons, Kurt (Jean) and Steve (Denita) Miller; and Delma’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Swanson, his mother, Bernadine Swanson, his first wife, Julie Swanson, and his daughter, Sandra Weiss.