MaryAnn Swanson Hastings, Minnesota Obituary

MaryAnn Swanson

MaryAnn Swanson, 88, died on January 22, 2021, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. MaryAnn was born on May 16, 1932, in Waseca, Minnesota, the youngest child of Albert and Elsa Dietrich. She graduated from Waseca High School, and earned a teaching degree from Mankato Teachers College (now Minnesota State University). She taught elementary students in Westbrook, Henderson, and Fairfax, Minnesota, in the 1950s, and in Hastings, Minnesota from the 1970s until her retirement in 1991. She was also a homemaker. When at Westbrook, she met and dated a fellow teacher, band director David Swanson of St. James, Minnesota. They were married on June 27, 1954 in Waseca, and were together in Henderson, Fairfax, Canby, and Hastings until David’s passing in 2001. MaryAnn was a devout Lutheran, and loved attending services at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. She was a long-time member of the church’s Naomi Circle, and served as its secretary-treasurer for many years. She enjoyed many aspects of life: watching birds come to feeders in her back yard; gardening in the same back yard; watching and talking about the Minnesota Twins; traveling to the North Shore and Grand Marais annually; taking a special trip to Hawaii with daughter and best friend Kathy; attending musicals at Chanhassen and the Guthrie and choir concerts at Gustavus Adolphus College and Hamline University; completing crossword puzzles daily; and watching As the World Turns and Law and Order, among other television shows. Mom was well known among extended family members and friends for her perfect Palmer handwriting and her perfect frosting on Christmas cookies baked by Dad (and later by she and Kathy). And her daughter and some grandchildren have all been inspired to make that cookie recipe and to attempt the precision of Mom’s frosting. MaryAnn was a huge fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books and influenced her children to read them. She was proud of her German heritage. And she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, extended family members, and her neighbors and friends. MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Nichtern; and her brothers, Werner and George Dietrich. She is survived by three children, Michael (Jane Holahan), Peter (Mary), and Kathryn Swanson; six grandchildren, Tim Swanson, Sam Swanson, Kate McDermott, Kevin McDermott Swanson, Tessa McDermott Swanson, and Alexander Arend (Ashlyn); one great-grandchild, Gavin McDermott; sister-in-law, Esther Dietrich; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private family service will be held on Monday, January 25, at 11 a.m. Central time at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Center in Hastings. The service can be viewed live on the Starkson Family’s Facebook page. After the service, the recording will be available at the Starkson website (MaryAnn's tribute wall), www.HastingsMNfuneral.com, as will a video of photos of MaryAnn, her family and friends. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. <iframe class="ts_player" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/53WPH3P3CD824BBY" width="512"></iframe>
May 16, 1932 - January 22, 202105/16/193201/22/2021
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2 trees planted in memory of MaryAnn Swanson.
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Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel
January 25, 2021
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Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel
January 23, 2021
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Michele Allen
January 27, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. May sweet memories soften your loss. Love, Michele
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Tom Freeman and Alan Skogerbo
January 27, 2021
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of MaryAnn Swanson. Plant a tree

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Joyce A. Albright
January 25, 2021
I met MaryAnn 51 years ago when we moved to Hastings and we have been friends and neighbors since then. She will be sadly, but sincerely missed.
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Joyce A. Albright
January 25, 2021
A candle was posted for MaryAnn Swanson.
A candle was posted for MaryAnn Swanson.
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Tribute Store
January 25, 2021
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Your friends at Thrivent
Country Basket Blooms

Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of MaryAnn Swanson.

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Tribute Store
January 23, 2021
Blooming Garden Basket

Blooming Garden Basket was purchased for the family of MaryAnn Swanson.

A tree was also planted in memory of MaryAnn Swanson.
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Esther, Steve & Marcia, and Lee Ann & Vince
January 23, 2021
In loving memory of our dear sister-in-law and aunt. Our condolences to Michael, Peter, Kathy and their families.
Pink Potpourri Bouquet

Pink Potpourri Bouquet was purchased for the family of MaryAnn Swanson.

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Becky & Gary. Anderson, Dave & Gloria Nichtern & families
January 23, 2021
In loving memory of our special aunt
Your Light Shines

Your Light Shines was purchased for the family of MaryAnn Swanson.

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Brent, Wendy and Will Lang
January 23, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Basket of Joy

Basket of Joy was purchased for the family of MaryAnn Swanson.

Bobbi Lynn
January 22, 2021
It was a Blessing to be your Nurse. Prayers. ✝️