Gilbert Swearingen Sr.

Gilbert "Sonny" Swearingen, Jr. age 63, of Brainerd died Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Minneapolis Veterans Center. Visitation and Celebration of his life will be at the Brainerd VFW club from 4 - 8 PM on Thursday, October 29 with service at 7:00 PM. Graveside service will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley near Little Falls on Friday October 30 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Services have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.
Gilbert was born October 24, 1945 to Gilbert Sr. and Esther (Wagner) in Brainerd. He served in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam Era and made the Navy his career, retiring in 1989 after serving 26 years. During his time in the service he achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and received many citations and awards. His military career took him to many far off places. Some of his favorites were Australia, Hawaii and the Philippines, where he met his first wife. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Brainerd and worked in sales until 1998 when he moved to Las Vegas, NV. He married Saundra (Soni) on March 17, 1999 in Las Vegas, and spent 3 ½ years before moving back to Brainerd. He enjoyed working in his yard, woodworking, playing cards with family and friends. He always enjoyed his camping trips with the Sunny Lakers Camping Club.

Survived by his wife, Saundra (Aykens); son, David (Noell)of Lenore, ID; stepsons, Allen Picardo of San Diego, CA and Chris (Darcy) Magnan of St. Francis; stepdaughter Heidi (Jim) Kraemer, of Brainerd; stepgrandchildren, Destiny Snyder, Chelsea and Blake Kraemer, Kayla, Ben and Daniel Magnan and Jaylyn Picardo. Brother, Robert (Jeannine) of Hovland; sister Darlene (Jack) Dalton of NC. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Russell and Ronald; sisters, Dolores and Beverly.