Marilyn Swanson

Marilyn passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Prairie Home Hospice McLaughlin House in Marshall.

Marilyn Ann Swanson was born June 26, 1940, to Carl Oscar and Kathryn Ann (Dahlgren) Stenberg. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove, where she was a lifelong member. Marilyn graduated from Tracy High School in 1958. On Nov. 1, 1958, she was united in marriage to Eugene Swanson at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. They were blessed with two sons, Jay and Joel. Marilyn was an active member in her church. She sang in the choir, regularly attended Bible studies, was a member of WELCA and a Conference Officer, Sunday School teacher, and served on the altar guild, to name a few. She was an active member with the North Hero All Stars 4-H Club and later was a volunteer with RSVP. She enjoyed learning and friendships in the Springdale Friendly Hour Club of the Redwood County Extension Program. Marilyn enjoyed family history, collecting many photos and stories from her and Eugene’s families. She also worked diligently on the history of her church. Marilyn loved being a cast member in the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant for 14 years in various roles. She especially enjoyed her first year as she played Mrs. Hanson and her dad was Mr. Hanson. Marilyn treated her fictional family as her own. She treasured the Precious Moments recipe book that was given to her by her Pageant kids. Marilyn also served on the Pageant Committee with Eugene for over 10 years. Marilyn enjoyed hosting family functions and entertaining friends. She especially enjoyed serving a large meal during the deer hunting season. She and Eugene enjoyed camping, especially with their friends, Brian and Mary White. They traveled to Florida, Branson, and many trips to various campgrounds in Minnesota. Family was important to Marilyn. Whether it was bringing lunch to the field, making chocolate chip cookies, making gifts and homemade cards, calling to check-in or traveling to watch a play or concert, she enjoyed being in the company of her family. Marilyn enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren, especially Put and Take and Kerplunk. This is something that she was blessed to continue with her four great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 67 years, Eugene Swanson; sons: Jay (Pam) Swanson and Joel (Lynn) Swanson, all of Walnut Grove; grandchildren: Michael Swanson, Jason and Devon Swanson, Katherine Swanson, Nathan Swanson and Sarah and Max Kicmal; great-grandchildren: Nolan and Neveya Swanson and Mason and Colton Warner; sister Doris Drackley of Tracy; brother Charles “Chip” (Sue) Stenberg of Hutchinson; brother-in-law Richard (Faith) Swanson of Walnut Grove; sisters-in-law: Jill (Eldon) Kathman of Buffalo, Ruth Ann Thompson of Saint Louis, MO and Carol Swanson of Walnut Grove; special family friends Brian and Mary White, David and Nicole White family; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Harold Drackley, Jim Purdy, John Swanson, John Thompson, and sister-in-law Arlene Purdy.