Lorraine D Swenson

lorraine swenson
Lorraine D. Swenson, age 87, of Alta Vista, IA passed away on April 14, 2017 at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, April 17, 2017 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma, IA. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Alta Vista, IA. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday. Online condolences for Lorraine’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family or Colonial Manor in Elma. Lorraine Dorothy was born October 19, 1928 near Alta Vista, IA, the daughter of William and Bertha (Momberg) Joachim. She was a 1947 graduate of Alta Vista High School. Lorraine was united in marriage to A. Donald Swenson on June 2, 1948 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista. In addition to the normal Iowa farm life, Lorraine tended a large garden and enjoyed cooking and baking with her friends, family, and attending many other volunteer events for the church and community. She enjoyed playing cards with family and putting puzzles together as well as reading and playing Bingo in her leisure time. She worked as the secretary at the Alta Vista Elementary School for over 20 years and then at the New Hampton High School until her retirement. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church for her entire life. She served as the voluntary community representative for Lutheran Brotherhood and Thrivent charities for many years. She also enjoyed being an adult leader for the local Charming Cherries youth 4-H club for many years. Lorraine is survived by her husband of 68 years, Donald Swenson of Alta Vista; her daughters, Ruth (Wilbur) Woods of Bucyrus, MO and Doris (Roger) Swanson of Canton, MI; her son, Glenn (Karna) Swenson of Minneapolis, MN; 12 grandchildren, Daniel (Emily) Woods, Michael Woods, Jeffrey (Janice) Baygents, Denise (Jason) Barnett, Christopher (Christine) Swanson, Carrie (Michael Fergerson) Swanson, Casey (Amanda) Swanson, Scott (Amanda) Swenson, Matthew (Caitlyn) Swenson, Dade (Emily Snavely) Colberg, Ian McBrayer, Ellis McBrayer; 11 great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Charles, Abbey, Cody, Kyleigh, Carter, Eli, Ashley, Bennett, Andrew and Hailey; one brother, Kenneth Joachim of West Union, IA and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Oval and Charles Joachim.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My deepest sympathy to Lorraine’s family. Always remember her smile and how personable she was to everyone. She will be missed!
    Jan Fenneman Manson

  2. To uncle Don and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you. I will always remember aunt Lorraine cooking and baking and making sure you didn’t go home hungry. I will miss her wonderful smile and gentle hugs. She was an example for all of us with her love of family and faith. Love, Kris and family

  3. WE SEND ARE DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE SWENSON FAMILY. MANY GOOD VISITS WITH LORRAINE OVER THE YEARS. SHE WAS A VERY SWEET LADY. SHE AND DON LOVE MY GOOD OLD TIME MUSIC. R. I. P. LORRAINE. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU. I ALWAYS PLAYED THE SONG ONE DAY AT A TIME FOR HER SHE LOVED THAT GREAT SONG. GOD BLESS. FROM TIM & CINDY HOWLAND & TIM THE MUSIC MAN PROTIVIN IOWA.

  4. A Golden heart has stopped beating and busy hands are at rest. Lorraine was such a warm, wonderful lady. Our sympathy to Don and family.

  5. I am sorry to hear about Lorraine’s passing. I have lots of good childhood memories of her at family gatherings. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Terry (Denner) Bayes

  6. My deepest sympathy to Donald and all of Lorraine’s family. We first became friends through Mercy New Hampton ~ what a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend she was to so many! God has gained another special angel. ✝️

  7. To the Swenson Family : Lorraine & Don have been good friends with my Mom & Dad _Milt & Betty Erion since they were in high school at Alta Vista. The four enjoyed each others company &traveled to various different towns & restaurants to converse , to share fellowship & a meal. I had Lorraine as one of my Sunday School Teachers & for vacation Bible School (She was wonderful) I had Don as my school bus driver growing up through out grade school & high school. They are truly the salt of the earth rural folk. They led by their faith, their love, their care for others & in what they have given to their community. God Bless. All of you are in my thoughts & prayers. Gary Erion

  8. To the Swenson Family,
    Lorraine was secretary at Alta Vista School when I began my kindergarten teaching career. She was so helpful and encouraging. She was loved by the staff and students. She had a wonderful smile and laugh and one knew that she truly enjoyed her job. She served God and others in many ways and was truly proud of her family. I always enjoyed a visit with her whenever we would run into each other at some type of function. She has earned her rest in God’s arms. Prayers and Sympathy, Lynn Ries

  9. My heart is broken. Aunt Lorraine was the family historian and she loved to tell us stories from the past. She took care of my parents’ graves in Alta Vista; I would send her flowers and she would take them to their grave. One year she put up candy kanes at Christmas! She knew the names of all the flowers in the garden. She made gorgeous quilts. I am going to miss her icebox cookies and her warmth and hearing about her birds at their bird feeder and her excitement at getting my postcards and letters in the mail. I love you Aunt Lorraine!

  10. Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in our life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. God assures us at Psalms 34:18 that he is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. Jesus also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.

  11. I’m sorry to hear of Mrs. Swenson’s passing. What a wonderful lady! We always enjoyed talking with her and Mr. Swenson at events in Alta Vista. Joann and I are sending our prayers across the miles.

  12. I was saddened to learn this week of Lorraine’s passing. Lorraine was a very special and important person in my life. She was an exceptional Sunday School and Bible School teacher. I recall the summer, with Lorraine as the teacher of my Bible School class, that we explored the country of Japan and the spread of Christianity there. How exciting it was as a small town girl to learn about a foreign country! She even attempted to teach us a hymn in Japanese which we sang during the following Sunday’s
    church service. As a 4H Leader she was constantly encouraging and supporting us in our endeavors.

    I will remember Lorraine as an always cheerful, caring and friendly individual with a deep and visible faith. My Mother Marion will be welcoming her dear friend to heaven.

    My deepest sympathy to Don, Ruth, Doris and Glenn.
    Sandy Masemann Wettach


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle Cancel reply

  1. Light a Candle
  2. Light a Candle
  3. Light a Candle
  4. Light a Candle
  5. Light a Candle
  6. Light a Candle
  7. Light a Candle
  8. Light a Candle