Donna M. Swanson

Donna Mae (Judd) Swanson, 84 of Rochester passed away very unexpectedly early Sunday morning June 15, 2014. She was born January 15, 1930 in Mazeppa MN to Josephine and William Judd. She went to school there and met her lifelong love Harleth (Whitey) Swanson. Her family moved to Rochester in 1946 and she graduated from Rochester High School in 1948. She then attended St. Cloud State University where she attained her teaching certification and later completed her bachelors degree in elementary education at Winona State College. She was an elementary school teacher for 40 years, 35 of which were at Harriet Bishop in Rochester. Donna and Whitey were married in 1950. Donna loved her family and was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She and Whitey gardened and took care of their home in Rochester MN, and also their summer home in Shell Lake, WI.Donna was a huge supporter of everyone in her family and was always present at any family event. Her family always felt lucky to have her around because of her silly humor and her constant thoughtfulness. Donna made every birthday, graduation, anniversary, and holiday special to our family by making pie or cake, taking us to dinner, never forgetting to call to wish us a happy birthday, or by having a perfect gift. Donna and Whitey loved to travel and they enjoyed many vacations together and with the whole family. She was the best grandmother and attended every hockey game, dance recital and dance competition, volleyball game, baseball game, soccer game, or football game she could and after the grandkids were grown, she made it a point to meet us for dinner or, stop by to visit.She will be dearly missed by us all. Donna is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Harleth Swanson; their poodle Rocky; two children, Jackie (Mike) Curry of Rochester, and Kris (Eric) Mickelberg of Rochester, three grandchildren,Nick Curry of Bloomington, Libby Curry of Rochester, Rosalee Mickelberg of Rochester, a brother, Lewis (Janice) Judd, and a sister, Jeanette (Charles) Schlotthauer of Rochester. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Evelyn Tarara, and her brother Haven Judd. A Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave. S.W., Rochester.The Rev Nancy Wheeler Handlon will be officiating.There will be a luncheon at the church following the service. Visitation will be held from 5:00 7:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 1300 Marion Road S.E., Rochester.