Thomas "Tom" Swedlund

Hastings resident Thomas B. “Tom” Swedlund, 86, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018, at his home.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Pastor Dustin H. Bower officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children and First Christian Church. Visitation is 9-7 p.m. with family present 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Tom was born on February 23, 1932 to Ophelia Baxley and Tilford Swedlund in Shreveport, LA.  He moved with his parents, sister Virginia and brother Orville to Nebraska at the age of 11.  Tom graduated from Hastings High School in 1949 and married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Carolyn Schlachter on August 31, 1951.

Tom was an active entrepreneur in Hastings and surrounding towns.  In 1952, Tom and his business partner opened Tom & Jerry’s Home Furnishings and Appliances.  Tom and business partner later built family, elderly and income-based apartments and townhomes in Hastings. He pursued many other area business ventures throughout his life.

He was a 32 ^nd Degree Mason of the Masonic Lodge and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He enjoyed gardening, nature, bowling and reading nonfiction.  Most importantly, Thomas Swedlund was a loving, supportive and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He will be greatly missed.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Orville Swedlund; and brother-in-law, Robert Schlachter.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
Carolyn Swedlund – Hastings, NE
Children:
Cyndie Petsch – Grand Island, NE
Robyn Vernon – Wichita, KS
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Chad M. & Terri Coe – Hastings, NE
Cassandra & Derek Ortegren – Grand Island, NE
Jared R. & Marie Petsch – Omaha, NE
Erin Vernon – Kansas City, MO
Lauren Vernon – Kansas City, MO
Great-Grandchildren:
Carter Thomas Coe
Remidy Rose Petsch
Sister:
Virginia Wolz
Sister-in-law:
Dee Swedlund