Harley D. Swanson, 84, rural Underwood, ND died April 8, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his family and under hospice care. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Mercer Community Center, Mercer, ND with Pastor Ed Gullett officiating. Interment will be held in the Mercer Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday at Goetz Funeral Home, Washburn, ND. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the Community Center in Mercer.

Harley was born October 1, 1932 the son of Ferdie and Bertha (Pfaffengut) Swanson. At the age of six, Harley lost his mother. He grew up learning farming from his father. He attended country school thru the 8th grade. He also attended the Underwood High School for two years until his father was injured in a farming accident and Harley was then needed on the farm.

He married Delores Pulver on August 10, 1952. Harley worked at the Underwood Coal company until his father passed away in December of 1963. The family then moved to the farm where they worked together until Delores passed away in 1970.

Harley was an avid bowler and thru that he met his soulmate, Marlys Russ. They were married on August 7, 1971 in Mercer, ND. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized on September 15, 1974. Together they raised their eight children to love each other and love the Lord. Harley's faith was central in their family. He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church in Mercer for many years. He was also a Gideon and enjoyed helping spread the word. Farming was his profession, hunting was his passion and family was his pride and joy.

Harley is survived by his wife, best friend and soulmate, Marlys; his mother-in-law, Helen Russ; his two sons, Bucky (Dee) Hinsz and Dean (Debby) Swanson; his six daughters, Margie (Byron) Fiedler, Kathy (Marvin) Neumiller, Marva (Tim) Johnson, Claudine Pochant, Nancy (Chuck) Allen, Susan (David) Sheppard; 12 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren; his brother, Valdon (Pat) Swanson; a niece, Beth Bruestle and a nephew, Kent Swanson; an adopted son, Gene (Kim) Wirtz and hunting buddy, Winton (Vickie) Wold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Delores, father-in-law and roll model, Emil Russ and a granddaughter.

"Forever in our hearts, my dear husband, our dad, my brother, our grandpa and our friend."