Rev Arnold C Swanson went to be with Jesus on Monday, June 20, 2011. He was a resident of Glen Ellyn, IL.

Arnold was born on April 21, 1930 in Cambridge, Minnesota. He was raised in Cambridge, Big Fork, and Minneapolis. After studying architecture at the University of Minnesota, he served in Korea as part of the U.S. Army. He was wounded, and during a long convalescence, knew that he wanted to build lives for Christ instead of buildings. He was also a graduate of Bethel College and Seminary (Minnesota).

He returned to Minneapolis and began working with Christian Service Brigade in 1955. In 1956, he married Ardis Larson. He was ordained in 1958. Together they raised three children, Jon, Joy and Jill.

In his forty years with Christian Service Brigade, he started camps, spoke at men's conferences, raised funds, recruited and led staff--always with a passion for winning and training boys for Christ.

After his retirement, Arnold and Ardis spent summers in Webster, WI.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Wheaton, where he served for many years.

He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Ardis; son, Jon (Nancy) Swanson of Fort Wayne, daughters, Joy (Michael) Ritter of Winfield and Jill Burton (Matt) Carr of Wheaton; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kermit, Gordon, and Kenneth Swanson; and his parents, Alma and Charles Swanson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 3-5 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Wheaton, 1310 N. Main Street, in Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 11:00 a.m. The interment will be held at Perida Cemetery in Webster, WI on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial gifts are to Camp Nathanael, PO Box 3258, Minneapolis, MN 55403; or to the Alma Swanson Memorial Scholarship Fund, North Isanti Baptist Church, 2248 313th Ave N.E, Cambridge, MN 55008.