Elsie Swanson

Elsie M. Swanson, 96, of Kingsford, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at the Freeman Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsford. She was born June 11, 1914, in Fern, Wis., daughter of the late Simon and Christine (Jacobsen) Jensen. Elsie's early childhood was spent in Florence, Wis. The family later moved to South Dakota and then back to Kingsford, where she remained for the rest of her life. She was one of the early pioneers in Girl Scouting in Dickinson County, which fostered her love of nature. Elsie married Kenneth O. "K.O." Swanson on Sept. 28, 1934. Kenneth was the first magistrate of the Dickinson County court system. He also owned and operated K.O. Swanson's service station in East Kingsford for 35 years. He preceded her in death in 1973. Elsie spent a good part of her life as a homemaker while remaining active in several local ladies' circles. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also one of the happy pasty making crew that served the Masonic Lodge. Being a true Yooper, some of Elsie's happiest days were spent at the family camp in Channing, where she enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband and family. One of Elsie's true joys in life came in her early 40s when she decided to go into nursing. She attended classes at Northern Michigan University and went on to have a fulfilling career in the field of nursing, where she truly enjoyed caring for her patients. The majority of her time was spent at Dickinson County Hospital in Iron Mountain. She is survived by one son, Gary (Rosewitha) Swanson of Thomasville, Ga.; six grandchildren,Lisa (Neil) Clemens, Tina (Joe) Sapere, Ted (Mary Alveran) Swanson Jr., Sarita (Korrie) VanMaanen, Fabia (Jay) Bracklein, and Adora Thayer, 13 great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; one sister, Betty Caouette of Wheeling, Ill.; sisters-in-law, Ruth Jensen, Ruth Swanson, and Babe Swanson, all of Kingsford, as well as many relatives and friends, including two "special sons," Leroy and Doug St.Onge. Besides her parents and husband, Elsie was preceded in death by her son, Ted Swanson and her brother, Ernie Jensen. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Elsie M. Swanson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. Special thanks to the loving caregivers provided by UPCAP, as well as all the staff at the Freeman's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who took such good care of her. Elsie always said, "I FEEL SO BLESSED." The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Elsie Swanson

September 2, 1914 - September 2, 2010