Myrtle Laverne (Carlson) Swanson

Myrtle Swanson, of Montevideo, died on Thursday, January 2, 2003 at her home at the age of 91.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 10:30 A.M. at Salem Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Rev. Wayne D. Kopitzke officiating.  Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday afternoon and evening, with the family from 5 - 7:30 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo.

Myrtle LaVerne (Carlson) Swanson was born on August 10, 1911 on a farm near Arthur, IA to Carl and Anna (Bergman) Carlson. She moved with her family when she was 9 years old to a farm north of Worthington, MN. After graduating from Worthington High School in 1929, Myrtle worked as a bookkeeper at the Firestone Store in Worthington and then the Worthington Ford dealership for 5 years.  On April 22, 1934 she was united in marriage to Ole Raymond Swanson in Malmo, NB.  They lived in Worthington until 1939 when they moved to Montevideo, MN.  Myrtle worked in the Auditor’s office at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Montevideo for several years and later worked as a bookkeeper for Ray in the Standard Oil bulk business until his retirement in 1968.  Myrtle was a faithful member of Salem Lutheran Church for over 65 years, serving in many capacities as Church Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, serving on various boards and committees and her beloved Dorcas Circle.  She was active in the community through many organizations including the Tuesday Study Club, Lioness Club, County Fair Committee, served as a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother and was honored as a Fiesta Senior Ambassador in 1989.  Myrtle loved life, friends and her family.  She thoroughly enjoyed her neighborhood on North 4th St, entertaining family reunions, and travels throughout the USA , Scandinavian Countries and to the Holy Land.  She was especially proud of her five grandsons and cherished time with her great grandchildren.  She readily shared her talents in ceramic paintings, doll making, sewing handiwork, and written compositions.  Myrtle was active right up until her death with holiday entertaining and extensive letter writing.

She is survived by a daughter, Carla Nelson of Moorhead, MN; a son, Jerry Swanson and his wife Kristina of Willmar, MN; five grandsons: Dana Nelson of Moorhead, MN, Christopher Nelson of Fargo, ND, Marcus Swanson and his wife Debra of Fayetteville, NC, Jamie Swanson and his wife Stephanie of Kandiyohi, MN, and Benjamin Swanson of Willmar, MN; six great-grandchildren: Chase, Brittani, Abrielle, Kaitlyn, Natasha, and Josiah; as well as by several cousins and numerous  nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray in 1985; two infant sons: David and Robert; an infant daughter, Mary; and all her eight brothers and sisters.