(Atlantic, Iowa) – A physician from Atlantic who served the community for nearly 60-years, has died. Dr. Keith Swanson passed-away Sunday, at the Heritage House. For years at his office on 6th Street, Swanson took walk-in patients, but he would not take Medicare or Medicaid. Instead, there was simply a drop-box for donations, with most patients dropping in the equivalent of what their co-pay would be elsewhere, or whatever they can afford to pay, that is reasonable for the client.

In his obituary on the Schmidt Family Funeral Home website, it was noted “Doc” Swanson started his General Practice in Hull, Iowa. After finishing surgical residency, the Doctor, his wife Berniece and family moved to Atlantic, where he set up his own medical practice and performed surgery at five area hospitals.

Dr. Keith Swanson

Doc Swanson retired the first time at the age of 65. He had been considering missionary-type work in South America or elsewhere, at the time. Donations at his practice helped to pay for his expenses, which he said, allowed him to continue to offer his services. He retired for the last time, in 2019.

Swanson served as a Mason for 65 years, was on many school boards, served as a member of the Atlantic City Council, and was the Mayor of Atlantic from 1974-77. He was also a Simpson College Board of Trustees for over 24 years. On Nov. 6, 2024, Doc fell and cracked his pelvis bone in 2 places. His health deteriorated after the fall.

No services are planned for Dr. Keith Swanson, as he has donated his body to the University of Iowa Medical School.