Irene Swanson

Irene Swanson September 14, 1911 - September 3, 2009

Mrs. Arlo (Irene) Swanson, age 97 of Faribault, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Keystone Community. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) in Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault. The family prefers that memorials be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School, Divine Mercy Catholic Church or Faribault Area Hospice. Irene Elizabeth Lamberty, the daughter of Albin & Mary (Friesen) Lamberty was born on September 14, 1911 in Northfield. She attended Bethlehem Academy and graduated with the class of 1928. On August 28, 1939, Irene was united in marriage to Arlo Swanson at the St. Lawrence Church Rectory in Faribault. Irene worked for many years at Farmer Seed and Nursery Co., Andrews Nursery and at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Library. In retirement they spent many winters in Destin, FL. Arlo preceded her in death on March 11, 1990. Irene loved being outdoors, going for walks, gardening and fishing. She also enjoyed reading and listening to music, especially Big Band orchestras. Visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren were always a highlight. Irene was very grateful to her three daughters for their attention, care and dedication over the years and always made sure that she thanked them for all that they did. She is survived by her daughters, Kay (Jim) Kohl, Karen (Doug) Frydenlund, and Nina (Bill) Erickson, all of Faribault; by 10 grandchildren, Scott Thomas, Stacy (Matt) Knutson, Kris (Bill) Dublin, Anne Thomas, Jill Erickson, Ellie (Sam) Schell, Teri (John) Sentz, Steve (Gail) Kohl, Sue (Dan) McRaith and John (Kris) Kohl and 22 great grandchildren; by her brother Harold (Jane) Lamberty of Faribault, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Arlo; her great granddaughter Emily Sentz, her sisters Helen McGuiness and Gen McIntire; and by two nephews, Dale Lamberty and Harold McIntire.