Lois Ann Swenson, 80, of Rochester, passed away on July 29, 2017, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester after complications of a brain aneurysm.
Lois was born on September 11, 1936, in Prosper, Minn., to Merland and Winnifred (Johnson) Halvorson. She graduated from Canton High School in 1954. She married Stanley Swenson on April 30, 1955, in Mabel. They were married 62 years and had four children. They farmed and were partners in love and work. They moved off the farm in 1995 and built a house in Mabel. In 2012, they moved to Rochester and lived close to their daughters.
She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing cards, baking, making quilts and shopping with her daughters and her sisters. Her generosity was felt by everyone that knew her; as she would often bake for others and would send out many cards to let others know she was thinking of them. Lois spent countless hours in service of Mabel First Lutheran Church and its women’s group.
Her family is thankful for all of the memories they have made and shared over the years and she will be loved and in her family’s hearts forever. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for all the amazing medical staff that cared for her and for the amazing support and prayers of so many that also loved her during this difficult time.
Lois is survived by her husband, Stanley; children Michael of Mabel, David (Julie) of Mabel, Debra (Rick) Groth of Rochester, and Jana (Paul) Thompson of Rochester; 11 grandchildren: John, Jeremy, Joseph, Justin, Matthew, Sarah, Kristine, Paula, Joshua, Kimberly, and Erica; and by 11 great-grandchildren: Logan, Benjamin, Shawn, Mason, Owen, Mara, Isabella, Stella, Liam, Charlotte, and Leila; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her siblings Bonnie (Mike) Richardson, Kenneth (Lois), Patricia Doose, Judy (Larry) Smith, Marge (Allen) Fossey, and Jean (Lorry) Wille.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Richard Halvorson.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, August 3, 2017, at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel, with the Rev. Elliott Malm officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 2 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church and one hour prior to services. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.