Virgil Edgar Swanberg

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Virgil Edgar Swanberg, a beloved husband, son, brother, father, "Papa," and friend, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Born within minutes of identical twin brother Vernon on January 7, 1934 in South Pharr, Texas now known as Las Milpas, Virgil was one of eight children, a blessing by God to Hildegarde and Emil Swanberg. They had moved to the Rio Grande Valley from Minnesota in the late 1920s. The family moved from Hidalgo to Willacy County in the late '30s after losing their farm to the 1933 hurricane which hit the Valley and decimated their citrus crop. They were a hard-working, humble family, of Swedish ancestry, growing up with a strong work ethic and a very frugal lifestyle with no frills. He was the devoted husband of Carolyn Glarner Swanberg and a shining light whose warmth, kindness, and gregarious nature touched everyone he met.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carolyn of 55 years, seven siblings and five of their spouses: Orion (Lil) Swanberg, Gladys (Bill) King, Carol (Col. Charles) Critchfield, Ellen (Melvin) Pohlmeyer, Luella Busse, Vernon Swanberg, and Norman (Sheri) Swanberg. Still living are brother-in-law Buck Busse and sister-in-law Edna Swanberg.

He is survived and blessed by his three grown children: Lance (Barbara) Swanberg, Cindy (Larry) Schwing, and Marshall (Kathleene) Swanberg, his grandchildren Brittany (Brian) Cornelius, Jennifer (Allan) Lemmon, Jordan (Lauren) Schwing, Caroline Schwing, Jonathan (Chrissy) Schwing, Joshua Schwing, Zachary (Whitney) Swanberg, Haley Swanberg, and his great-grandchildren Hayden and Tucker Swanberg. Virgil was also blessed with many nieces and nephews, their children, and their grandchildren.

Virgil graduated from Lyford High School in 1951. He and his twin brother, Vernon, volunteered for the service, went into the Army, and served in La Rochelle, France for 18 months, where they had countless new experiences and adventures together. They were honorably discharged from the service in 1956. When they returned to South Texas in 1956, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Glarner, and they married three years later after her graduation from Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1959, shortly after starting their family and having their three children, Lance, Cindy and Marshall.

After leaving the Army in 1956, Virgil also enrolled at Pan American University in Edinburg and six years later, after attending part-time and selling Prudential insurance, he graduated in 1962. While going to school, he and his twin brother Vernon also started farming together as a partnership (Rancho Los Cuates), which would lead to a lifelong passion and career in farming of over forty years. One year they were honored to be named Willacy County Conservation Farmers of the Year. All three of his children chose the same occupation and were involved in agriculture which brought him tremendous pride and happiness.

Virgil loved to hunt and fish and for many years, he and a group of six to eight friends went hunting in Colorado for deer and elk. Other favorite hunting spots were Canada and Alaska.

Traveling was a passion of Virgil's that he shared with his lovely wife Carolyn. During their married life, they visited 48 different countries all over the world. River cruises were one of their favorites. They were married for 55 years and Carolyn passed away suddenly on March 12, 2015.

As a life-long member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Lyford, Virgil served as Sunday School Superintendent for years along with serving on the Church Council, and singing in the Bethel Men's Choir. Growing up, the church served as the 'social media' in his family, as news about members spread quickly amongst the congregation. He also served his community as a member of several civic clubs, along with serving the San Perlita School Board for many years. Virgil loved to play the guitar at family and church gatherings and sing songs, which brought him great joy.

Virgil shared a very special bond with his identical twin brother Vernon. Even in his later years, he still talked to him every day on the phone catching up on the latest news, comparing notes about their farms, stocks, and of course, the weather. He lost him less than six months ago.

In the span of his 91 years, Virgil will be most remembered as a caring and generous person who never met a stranger. His outgoing personality revealed a zest for life, a positive outlook and living life to its absolute fullest. He was fun, enjoyed a good party, music, and always liked a good joke. He took great pride in his family's Swedish heritage and being of Viking blood, which he strongly believed helped him withstand adversity throughout his life. In his Christian faith, he demonstrated a deep dedication to his Lutheran roots and a committed love for his Lord. He was God-fearing and surely recognized he had been greatly blessed in life. He lived a full life, surrounded and adored by those he loved the most, his family and his dear friends.

Entrusted with his care for the past couple of years, the family would like to recognize three very important individuals for their amazing dedication to Virgil: Amy Alaniz with the Harlingen VA along with Paul Villa and Sandra Rivera with Companion Sitter Service.

Visitation will be held on Fri., May 16, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Duddlesten Funeral Home in Raymondville, TX. A "Celebration of Life" service will be conducted on Sat., May 17, at 11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 8233 Park Avenue, Lyford, TX. Interment continues following the service at Lyford Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 250, Lyford, Texas 78569 or to any charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W. Hidalgo Ave. Raymondville, Texas.