Fern A. Swanson

Fern Ann Swanson, age 72, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2008 after a courageous 11 year battle with multiple myeloma cancer. Fern was born November 4, 1935 near White Rock, MN, the daughter of Alvy and Hilma (Nelson) Martenson. She graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1953. For 3 � years she worked for Northwest Airlines. Fern married her high school sweetheart, Roger C. Swanson on September 22, 1956 at Spring Garden Lutheran Church. She was the Welcome Wagon hostess in Hastings for almost 30 years, calling on new residents and parents. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a very active member of Our Saviour�s Ev. Lutheran Church. Fern enjoyed playing bridge and entertaining. She loved spending time with her husband; traveling to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii; and spending nine years in Mesa, AZ for the winter. She is survived by her husband Roger; son Mark Roger; two daughters Julie Ann (Steve) Lund and Jill Marie (Brian) Whisler; seven grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Sara Lund; Brianna, Charley, Tommy, Bobby Whisler; and sister Jane Knowlton. Fern was preceded in death by her parents and brother Harlan. The visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Friday, September 19, at the CATURIA-SMIDT FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. 7th St., Hastings and 1 hour prior to the 11 am Saturday, September 20, funeral service, officiated by Rev. Doug Duin at OUR SAVIOUR�S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9th Ashland Streets, Hastings. Interment will follow in the Lakeside Cemetery. The pallbearers are Michael Lund, Matthew Lund, Rick Knowlton, Terry Swanson, Mike Swanson, and John Welshons; the honorary pallbearers are Lyle Wilson, Roger Younquist, Curt Anderson, Dick Lindeke, Les Allgor, Gary Benson, and Skip Soleim. Memorials are preferred to Our Saviour's Ev. Lutheran Church in Hastings.