Phyllis Francis Swanson

It is with sorrow and joy that we mark the passing of Phyllis F. Swanson, beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Our hearts are broken with the sadness of losing you too soon. But they will be healed by the joy of knowing that you are in Heaven with Jesus and those loved one who have gone before you. We will feel your love in our hearts each time we think of you, feel the closeness of your family when we come together, feel your strength and wisdom in hard times and share smiles and laughter when we retell your stories to our children. We will treasure these gifts you have given us and keep you close in our hearts.

Phyllis Swanson passed away peacefully at her home at Encore of North Branch on Thursday, August 20, 2020. Her children were with her all day. She was 87 years old.

Phyllis Jacobs was born March 6, 1933 to Edward and Amelia Jacobs at home in St. Paul, Minnesota. She grew up in West St. Paul along with her 6 sisters and 2 brothers.

When she entered high school she went away to boarding school, at the Good Counsel Academy in Mankato where she was aspiring to become a Catholic nun. In her junior year she changed her mind and moved back home. In 1951, she joined the United States Army. She wanted to be a nurse. She went to Ft. Lee, Virginia for Basic Training. She did her service and schooling in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas. When she finished, she was an LPN. She served 2 years.

She married Wendell Swanson on December 13, 1952. They moved to Harris in 1958 and lived there until June of 2019 when she moved into Encore Assisted Living in North Branch. Harris was a wonderful place to raise their family. They had 9 children; 3 girls and 6 boys.

Phyllis also worked as a nurse at the nursing homes in Cambridge, Rush City and Pine City. She was also a Cub Scout Den Mother, part of the Harris Women’s club and Homemaker’s club for many years. She went to the school of Massage in Minneapolis and was a certified Massage Therapist. She started her own business in 1985 and continued doing massages until the age of 80.

She enjoyed camping, campfires, swimming, skating, crocheting, playing the piano, singing in her church, writing poems, sitting on her porch swing and retiring in Florida for the month of February. But the most important thing in life to her was her family. She made each and everyone feel so special to her. She was so proud of her family and loved to talk good things about them. She was loved by so many, and we can see why because she was such a special person who would give you the shirt off of her back.

Phyllis is survived by her children Deborah (Gordon) Trosen of Verndale, Sandra (Allen) Weisbrod of North Branch, Wendell Jr. (Bonnie) Swanson, Randall (Sandie) Swanson all of Harris, Stephen (Lisa Elliott) Swanson of San Jacinto, California, David (Linda) Swanson of Stark, John Swanson of Rush City; son-in-law John Strachan of La Quinta, California; 27 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; sisters Mary Ramberg and Amy Jacobs both of North Branch; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Amelia Jacobs; husband Wendell Swanson; children Joseph and Ginene; great-grandchildren Hope Williams, Finnegan Swanson, Maria Borland; siblings Margaret, Helen, Elaine, Liz, Eddie and Billy; father-in-law and mother-in-law; 1 sister-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law.

Father Shane Stoppel-Wasinger will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Phyllis: 11 AM; Thursday, September 24, 2020 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in North Branch. A time for family and friends to gather is planned for 2 hours prior to the Mass at the church. Pall bearers include Joe Trosen, Cheryl Williams, Jason Swanson, Josh Swanson, Tasha Edwardh, Ryan Swanson, Todd Swanson. The interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Rush City following the Mass.

Due to COVID restrictions we will be practicing social distancing, masks are required in church and no hugging. We are not able to have a lunch, but next summer we would like to have a Phyllis day picnic to share a lunch and share stories with you. Because of our large family and because of the church's restrictions on the amount of people, we are hoping if you have kids under 10 years old that you leave them with a sitter. We are so sorry about the restrictions that are taking place. Our mother deserves a grand funeral and we are doing our best to see that it happens.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com