Sandra Swanson

Sandra Swanson, 71, of Gatzke, MN, passed away on Monday evening, December 19, 2016, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Sandra Inez was born on October 5, 1945, in Crookston, MN; to Andrew and Evelyn (Meinerts) Clausen. She grew up in Plummer, MN, and graduated from high school there, afterwards working in the high school's office for two years. On March 5, 1966, Sandra was married to Robert Swanson, in North Augusta, South Carolina. As Robert was in the US Army, the young couple lived in several cities, before settling in Warren after his honorable discharge in 1968.

While Rob worked at the family business, Swanson Auto Body, Sandra stayed home with her children; later working at the Good Samaritan Home in Warren as a nurse's aide for many years. In 1987, the family moved to Grygla, MN, where they operated a logging business, Sandra working side-by-side with her husband. The couple retired in 2010, after which Sandra was free to care for Rob as well as take time to garden, care for her various animals, and put together puzzles. She loved spending time with her family and was really looking forward to future trips with her sisters.

The Bible was Sandra's favorite book. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on September 27, 2003, in Bemidji, MN, and loved sharing her knowledge of the scriptures with others. Whether it was through conversation or letter-writing, Sandra felt this was one of her most cherished responsibilities.

Sandra is survived by her two children, Robin (Trever) Irlbeck of Grygla, and Jason Swanson of Gatzke; grandchildren, Candace (Zachary) Benedict and their son, Maximillian, and Chanceler (Miranda Lee) Irlbeck; and sisters, Barb Johnstone, Judi Lindseth, Faith Vierzbra, and Diane (Bob) Olson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Rob, who passed away on June 11, 2016; infant son, Julius; her parents; and brother-in-law, James Johnstone.

Memorial Service: Saturday, December 31, 2016, at 1:00 PM, in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Roseau, MN.
Interment of Cremated Remains will be held at a later date.

 Service Information