Elvira Marguerite Swanson
(June 22, 1924 - April 20, 2007)

Elvira Marguerite Vallentin Swanson, Luck, died April 20, 2007, at the United Pioneer Home. She was 82 years old.
She was born on June 22, 1924, to Earl and Pearl (Alden) Vallentin in Laketown.

In March 1928, she moved with her parents to St. Paul, MN. Elvira attended Hendricks grade school, Roosevelt Junior High and Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minn., and played the bass violin in the high school orchestra. During her junior year in 1941, the family moved back to Wisconsin and settled on their farm in Laketown Township. Elvira graduated from Luck High School in May 1942.

In 1943, she moved back to St. Paul, Minn., to attend comptometer school. From 1943 until 1953, she worked at Armour & Company in South St. Paul, MN, as a bookkeeper. On June 27, 1947 she married Lawrence Swanson in St. Paul. Their son, Paul, was born in 1949.

In 1953, they moved to their home in Laketown Township. Their daughter, Mary Jo, was born in 1955.

Elvira worked as a bookkeeper, first for Stokely's Canning in Frederic and then at Land O' Lakes in Luck from 1959 until the doors were closed in 1977. From 1972 until 1987, she served as clerk for Laketown Township. In 1989, Elvira sold her home in Laketown and moved into Luck. She later lived at the Maple View Apartments until moving into the United Pioneer Home in June 2004.

Elvira loved her family and friends and was ready to join them at a moment's notice. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting all but three states. In 1990, she made a trip to Europe.

She enjoyed being outdoors, caring for the yard and garden, and taking long walks. Playing the piano and organ gave her and her listeners countless hours of pleasure. Despite numerous health problems in her later years she never lost her cheerful and upbeat attitude. She will be remembered for her happiness, no matter her circumstances.

Her parents and husband, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, Paul, and wife, Cindy; daughter, Mary Jo, and husband, Craig Nelson, all of Luck; grandchildren, Jason Swanson (Michelle) and Justin Swanson (Tricia), of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Katie Schmidt (Cory) of Superior; great-granddaughters, Katlyn, Olivia, Jordon, Isabella and Zelda Swanson; sister, Marianne Tomlinson and husband, Don; and many dear relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on April 25, 2007 at the Luck Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Hall presiding. Pallbearers were Jason Swanson, Justin Swanson, Cory Schmidt, Alan Tomlinson, Mark Nelson and Bob Jensen. Music was provided by Margie Nelson and Janet Holdt. Internment was at the Hostrup Cemetery in Laketown Township.

The Rowe Funeral Home in Luck was entrusted with arrangements.