Galen "Chip" Swanson
Galen “Chip” LeRoy Swanson, 80, of Aberdeen, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Bethesda. He was finally reunited in heaven with his two children, Cassi and Greg. One can only imagine the hugs—and the SKOL chants—that followed.
Galen “Chip” LeRoy Swanson was born on January 4, 1946, in Aberdeen, SD to Swan Henry and Lillian (Johnson) Swanson. Chip attended several schools throughout his youth and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1964.
On August 26, 1965, Chip married Kathleen Munsen. He later enlisted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam at Can Tho Airfield as an Airframe Specialist (SP5) with the 271st Aviation Company / 361st Transportation Detachment from 1968–1969. He was very proud of his military service and of being a Vietnam veteran.
On February 26, 1972, Chip and Kathy welcomed their daughter, Cassandra (Cassi) Rae, and on November 12, 1973, their son, Gregory (Greg) Lee.
Chip spent his career as a car salesman at Spaulding, Southside Imports/Harr Motors, and Biegler’s until his retirement. He sold countless people their first cars and took pride in helping others.
He was actively involved in the Aberdeen Hockey Association, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Salvation Army Snack Packs, and the VFW. Chip held several offices within the VFW, preferring hands-on roles where he could directly manage projects. He was often seen outside local businesses distributing poppies and visiting with donors. This dedication was especially evident on Veterans Day at Aberdeen Central in November 2025, when, despite being confined to a walker, he volunteered at the poppy table, continuing to share stories and connect with people.
Chip served for several years as a VFW Trustee, carefully reviewing financial reports and cross-checking auditors. Along with classmates, he also helped prepare and deliver meals to those in need.
Chip was a staple of the 10th Avenue NE neighborhood—the neighborhood dad. He made sure seat belts were buckled and welcomed the group of kids who always seemed to gather nearby.
His family was his pride and joy. Summers were spent camping, and winters revolved around hockey. Chip and his family traveled to countless games in the motorhome, often with Skip Robinson or others along for the ride. The soundtrack was always 1950s and 1960s music, with Chip sharing the artist, the year, and plenty of music trivia. He preferred to leave early, as he had a habit of driving under the speed limit. His children were the light of his life, and he never missed a chance to brag about Cassi and Greg and their accomplishments.
Chip and his brothers shared a daily tradition known as “beer thirty,” swapping stories that would make most people blush. As Chip’s health declined, his brothers Lowell and Ben were always there — helping without being asked. Their love and devotion to Chip were evident in every action.
On August 12, 2005, Chip married Marian Carter, expanding his family to include another son, Jason Stolp, and two daughters, Shannon Lewno and Casey Swanson. They made their home in Aberdeen and cherished time spent with children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren. Chip loved having everyone together, even when the house was a joyful madhouse.
On July 22, 2022, Chip lost a part of his heart when his daughter Cassi passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. On October 8, 2023, the rest of his heart broke with the loss of his son Greg, also after a battle with cancer. Though he remained positive for those around him, he deeply missed his children and longed to be reunited with them.
Grateful for having shared Chip’s life are his wife of 20 years, Marian Swanson; his former wife, Kathy (Bill) Keller; brothers, Ben Swanson and Lowell (Kathy) Swanson; daughter-in-law Casey Swanson; stepchildren Jason (Sara) Stolp and Shannon (Dennis) Lewno; grandchildren Gabe (Lachelle) Swanson, Lauren (Tyler) Block, Logan Bell, Emma Bell, Justin DiBona, Brody (Hannah) Morton, Sydney (Jade) Krueger, Jonah (Myah) Stolp, Slater (Peris Fellows) Stolp, Addilyn Stolp, and Micah Stolp; and great-grandchildren Beckham DiBona, Cooper DiBona, Layla DiBona, Bliss Morton, Kairi Krueger, Willow Krueger, Night Krueger, Harrison Block, Leighton Swanson, and Renleigh Stolp.
He was preceded in death by his children, Greg and Cassi; his parents; sisters, Lucy Erickson and Sharon Pickrel; and brother, Bernel Swanson.