Linda Rae Swanson

Linda Rae Swanson, 69, of Boxholm passed away surrounded by her family Monday, January 21, 2013 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

She was born July 10, 1943 in Storm Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Lake W. and Irene E. (Anderson) Olson. She married Charles D. Swanson on May 15, 1971 at United Methodist Church in Odebolt, IA.

Linda retired from nursing to raise her family, after serving 15 years as head nurse and later as a relief supervisor at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge. She also worked for Krakau Insurance Agency in Boxholm for several years following her retirement. She attended Boyer country school through the 6th grade, and graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School with the class of 1961. She went on to attend the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City where she obtained her nursing degree in 1964.

Linda's family was her life's passion and she was an avid supporter of her children throughout school and sports activities. Linda always looked forward to the holidays and special occasions when her family could be together. After Charles's father Reuben passed away, Linda took her mother-in-law to her appointments and school activities watching her grandchildren. She enjoyed being the "town nurse" and "community chauffeur" for church and other ladies activities. When her parents entered a nursing home she faithfully tried to visit them weekly. Linda embraced the blessing of being a Grandma and had a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren.

Linda was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Boxholm, serving as a current council member. She also held several leadership roles with women's groups, Vacation Bible School, and was one of the leaders for the church's long running Swedish Supper meal.

Survivors include her husband Charles D. Swanson of Boxholm; two sons, Erik C. Swanson and wife Tara of Omaha, NE and Paul W. Swanson and wife Emily of Winchester, IL; mother Irene Olson of Odebolt; sister Betty J. Sullivan and her husband James of Ft. Dodge; three grandchildren Aaron, Presley and Chandler Swanson all of Winchester, IL and nieces and nephews, Stephen, Stefanie, Kellie, Daniel, Sheila, Shelly, and Sue. She was preceded in death by her father, and grandparents Paul and Esther Anderson.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 25, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boxholm. Pastor Rod Meyer will officiate. Burial will be at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Boxholm. Visitation will be held Thursday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Carson – Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden. For online obituaries and condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.