Vera Helen Swanson

Vera was born in Waseca, Minnesota to Alfred and Olga. She grew up on the family farm with her two sisters and one brother. She graduated from Waseca High School in 1949 and went on to Wells, MN and obtained a certificate to teach in a rural school.

Vera taught in this rural school for three years and then went to Mankato State where she got her two-year degree.

On June 18, 1955, Vera married Ray Swanson (deceased December 22, 1991). They lived in Plymouth, MN and over the years raised five children: John, Nancy, Carrie, Kris, and Janet. Vera was blessed with nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Vera worked for many years for the Wayzata School District as a special education teacher with the last two years teaching first grade. Vera was very active in her church. She taught pre-school Sunday school, was President of the Ladies Auxiliary, and participated, for over four years in The Gathering, a group that met monthly for those impacted by dementia.

Vera loved living at Westridge, where she was on the welcoming committee. Vera also enjoyed reading, researching genealogy of her family, and visiting with pretty much everyone!

Vera was also involved in Eastern Star, the Auxiliary of the American Legion in Hamel, and the Wayzata Area Retired Educators (WARE) organization.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; parents, Alfred and Olga; sister, Myra; and brothers-in-law, Oren, Roy, and Ron.

Vera will be missed by her children, John (Renee) Swanson, Nancy (Randy) Kemnitz, Carol (Steve) Widstrand, Kris Swanson, and Janet (Gary) Brossett; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brother, Leo (Betty); sister, Janyce; other family and friends.

Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, 600 Hopkins Crossroads, Minnetonka.

Private interment at Sunset Cemetery.