Kenneth Dale Swanson, 79, Braddock, ND, passed away Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Linton Hospital in Linton, ND.Kenneth was born on April 7, 1935 on the family farm six miles north of Braddock to Ernest and Ada (Saville) Swanson. He was baptized at the house on the farm by Pastor F. Carlin on October 11, 1936, and was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church near Pursian Lake by Pastor Hamar Benson on June 27, 1948.He attended a rural one room school in Baker Township one mile from the farm until eighth grade. He then attended Braddock High School, graduating in 1952.Ken began farming at an early age, helping his dad, and upon graduation began his own farming interests. Ken married Jean Seidel on October 19, 1958 at First Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND. They made their home on the farm north of Braddock.Ken's main passion in life was farming. He lived with his wife and three children on the very farm he was born at. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kintyre where he served as a council member and ushered for many years. He served on the Baker Township board of directors for many years, bowled on several teams, and enjoyed playing cards with his friends. He also enjoyed many years golfing.He will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Jean; 3 children, Kirk (Kim Fuger) of Bismarck, Holly (Greg) Bender of Hazelton, ND and Lyle (Kerry) of Braddock; six grandchildren, Kari (Gary) Bond of Georgetown, KY, Tyler Swanson of Fargo, ND, Jaren Bender and Shantel Bender of Hazelton, Lindsey Amen and Lauren Amen of Braddock; two great-grandchildren, Taylor Ann and Peyton James Bond of Georgetown; sister, Janice (Emil) Vetter of Elgin, ND; sister-in-law, Sandy Swanson of Fargo; aunt, Vernie Olmsted of Bismarck; and many nieces nephews and cousins.Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; grandparents, Otto and Katie Swanson and Ernest and Sarah Saville; and many aunts uncles and cousins.