Charlotte Maryann Swenson

Charlotte MaryAnn Swenson, age 70, of Sherman, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at her home from a battle with cancer. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 1, 2010, at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Sherman. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 P.M. Sunday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Charlotte was born on November 16, 1939 in Iona, Murray County in Minnesota to Arthur and Mary (Holbrook) Basche. During her youth her parents and 2 brothers lived several places but finally resided in Brandon, SD where Charlotte graduated high school in 1957.

Charlotte married Marvin Swenson on June 9 1960, and for nearly 50 years they have resided in the Sherman, SD area. During these years Charlotte helped with the farm and raised 4 children.

She was a member of Highland Lutheran Church in rural Sherman where she was active in service groups and Sunday school. She had also been attending church in Jasper because of accessibility and enjoyed reconnecting with old friends.

Charlotte had a few hobbies that she was devoted to including decorating, and collecting chickens and coca cola memorabilia. Charlotte enjoyed bowling over the years. She had most recently bowled on the ladies league in Jasper, MN where she had many friends.

She worked many odd jobs over the years including running the Jasper Lanes for a time until taking a job at the Jasper Sunrise Village as the kitchen manager. She enjoyed cooking, and everyone she worked with. She retired 7 years ago due to failing health.

Her most important role, though, has been farm wife and mother-her family meant the world to her. She played supportive role from chasing livestock to children, cooking meals and never missing a school activity. Recently she has enjoyed her many grandchildren and tending her many flower beds and vegetable garden with Marvin. She enjoyed hosting picnics for extended family most recently on July 4th and Labor Day of this year.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband Marvin of Sherman; four children: Mark (Lisa) Swenson of Sioux Falls, SD, Kevin (Cheryl) Swenson of Sherman, SD, Jonathan Swenson of Luverne, MN and Michele (David) Jones of Pipestone, MN; two brothers: Delinor (Sharon) Basche of Garretson, SD and Ivan (Peg) Basche of North Carolina; four sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Swenson of Sioux Falls, SD, Pearl Deuchars of Sioux Falls, SD, Angie Lawrence of Omaha, NE, and Marilyn Swenson of Sioux Falls; and 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents.