Mary Virginia "Ginny" Swenson

March 2, 1922 ~ April 7, 2017
Mary Virginia “Ginny” Swenson, age 95 of Osage, IA, formerly of Lawler, IA passed away on Friday, April 07, 2017 at Linn Haven Rehabilitation and Healthcare in New Hampton, IA with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa with Father Raymond Burkle celebrating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Osage, with a 3:30 PM Rosary and a 6:00 PM Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Wednesday. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage or Osage Public Library.
Mary Virginia “Ginny” was born March 2, 1922 to Raymond and Bernadetta (Kenny) Farrell in New Hampton, IA. She graduated from Lawler High School and attended Business College in Cedar Rapids, IA. Ginny was employed at Rath Meat Packing in Waterloo, IA during WWII. She was united in marriage to Alfred “Al” O. Swenson when he returned home from the war on August 19, 1946 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Iowa City, IA. The couple remained in Iowa City while Al attended the University of Iowa obtaining his Master’s Degree in Education. Al and Ginny welcomed their first daughter, Kristine in 1949. The family moved to Brooklyn, IA and to Osage in 1955 where they remained all their lives. They welcomed their second daughter, Molly in 1957.
Ginny enjoyed reading, knitting, watching Hawkeye sports. Her time spent with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was always incredibly special. Ginny was a volunteer at the Osage Community Hospital, and various organizations in her community. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Church Choir.
Left to cherish Ginny’s memories are her two daughter, Kristine (Ronald) Markham of New Hampton and Molly (Patrick, Sr.) Gould of Middleton, WI; her four grandchildren, Jared (Mindy) Markham and Elizabeth “Betsy” Markham, both of New Hampton, Anna Gould of Washington, D.C and Patrick (Jenny) Gould, Jr. of Southern California; her five great-grandchildren, Sidney, Madison, Griffin, Damien and Cecilia; her sister-in-law, Bernice Swenson; her three brothers-in-law, Carl Swenson, Don (Lorraine) Swenson and Joseph (Barbara) Swenson and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her adoring husband, Alfred O. Swenson in 2012 and her sister, Norma Farrell.
Birthday
Elizabeth, so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with you and your family.
Grandma and grandson
Kris and all…..we are so very sorry for your loss. Remembering a former Lawlerite brings back many special memories of your family. Hold your memories tightly as someday we shall all be together again.
Kris and family, Our sincere sympathy and prayers to all.
Our sincere sympathy to Kris and family. Prayers.
Louise and Donn Harris
Sorry for your loss Kris, she is in a better place.
Dear Family of Ginny,
Your parents were both wonderful people and contributed so much to the Osage Area. Bless them and may they both be in the arms of the Lord. Julie Niess Vulk
Dear Kris and family, Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with each of you. May the special memories you created together as a family always remain alive in your hearts.
Kris and family-we are so sorry. Will keep your family in our prayers
Molly, Chris, and families, so sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Rita Hanke
Kris & Molly, I just talked to mom and we are so sorry for your loss. What a great lady she was! Our parents had many fun times together and shared a lot of memories through the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Carol (Hoppenworth) Hilsabeck
Kris and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for all.
Ginny was very special to me. She & Al were fill in grandparents for me after Grandpa passed & Grandma Gerri was still at work. They attended a few Grandparents Day celebrations with me at Sacred Heart School. I’m sure Al, Ginny & Grandma Gerri & Grandpa Richard are playing cards & catching up.
-Traci Grivna Rood (Linda’s daughter)
Molly and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.