"Tracy - I was so sorry to see that your mom has passed away. I remember her as such a wonderful and kind person and I know she meant so much to you. Take care - you and your family are in our prayers. Julie, Jim and Ben"
In loving memory of
Margaret Helen Swanson
October 10, 1926 - May 23, 2009
Margaret Helen Swanson, 82 of Ankeny, formerly of Ames, died on Saturday, May 23 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at the Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street in Nevada with Pastors Rick Miller and David R. Burling officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery.
Margaret was born on October 10, 1926 in Ossian, Iowa to Elden and Eunice (Sesker) Nelson. She was a graduate of North High School in Des Moines. On September 15, 1946, Margaret married Keith Swanson in Des Moines. She was a member of Memorial Lutheran Church and the Red Friars Dance Club. Margaret enjoyed watching her kids and grandchildren play sports, dancing, and playing cards. She and Keith had season tickets to the ISU Men's and Women's Basketball games which Margaret loved attending.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Keith of Ankeny; 2 daughters, Sandra Robinson of Nevada and Tracy (Chris) Sabus of Urbandale; 2 sons, Keith (Nancy) Swanson Jr. of Des Moines and David (Linda) Swanson of Parkersburg; 12 grandchildren, Missy and Todd Borton, Shannon and Doug Ostrich, D.J. Robinson and Danielle Hall, Jessica and Jeff Manno, Meredith and Nick Parrish, Jonathan Swanson and Chelsea Singer, Chad and Lori Shepard, Cory and Kamie Shepard, Amy and Chris Grill, Jennifer Swanson and Chris Aswegen, Jordan and Jaran Sabus; 13 great grandchildren, Ty and Skye Borton, Jacob and Ryan Ostrich, Paige Gaedke and Peyton Hall, Henry Manno, Victoria and Gretchen Shepard, Cadyen and Austin Shepard, Nicholas and Alexandria Grill; and a brother Ted Nelson of Johnston.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law Donnie Robinson on December 2, 2004, 2 brothers, Don and Gene Nelson.
Service:
Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 27 at the Memorial Lutheran Church.
Cemetery:
Burial will be held at a later date in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery.
Tributes
"Keith: Got as far as the interstate and it was raining so hard that I came back home. Sorry to read about Margaret. If you will mail me your home address I will get a card to you. Fondly, Marge Cochrane 3908 Marigold Dr. Ames, Ia. 50014 "
"Keith , I want to thank you and Margaret for being a part of my life and all the fond memories and advice you gave me while staying with you and helping on the farm. Even when you made me eat corn beef before going on a date with my now wife Connie for the last 39 years. You will always be a part of my fondest memories"
"Keith, Meredith, and Tracy, I am sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you all. Nick Wallace"
"Keith and family.... I am so sorry to hear about Margaret... My prayers and thoughts are with you....I dont' think I will be able to make it to the funeral as so many are on vacation but I will be thinking of you.. Connie "
"Keith and Family - So sorry to hear of Margaret's death. She had a wonderful husband and children. I feel good that i got to know Margaret through Keith and Sauer-Danfoss. Margaret was very special to Keith and her family and will be missed.You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Keith and Family So sorry to read of Margaretâ??s death. She was such a sweet wonderful lady and she will be missed. Keith, remember the time I had to trade seats w/you at Hilton Coliseum and Margaret just smiled when I sat down next to her and you had changed to my seat. We had a good laugh. My granddaughter still has the croqueted pillows you gave her at your garage sale. My sympathy to all of your family. How wonderful that you twelve grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. You are truly blessed. JoAnn Hunting Mcfarland Clinic "
"Keith, I am so sorrry to hear about Margaret. I was in Ames this weekend to "visit" Grandpa and Grandma. Thought about you as the two of you are people I deeply respect and think of often. I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Vicki"
"Keith Jr./Tracy and the entire Swanson Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Worley Family"
"Keith and family: So sorry to read in the paper of your wife/mother passing. I know Jean and Vince Strand (my sister/brother-in-law) thought so much of both of you!! My sympathy to you. "
"Sorry to heaar of Margarets passing. My Prayers and thoughts are with you all. i will be unable to attend the service as i'm returning to kansas City to enter KU hospital for surgery to repair 2 leaking valves. With deepest sympathy Bobbie"
"You are in our thoughts and prayers. We always had a good time when ever we got together. Mariyn just got out of the hosp. from chemo. treatment. so probably wont make the service, but sure willl be thinking of you and your family. jc and marilyn"
"Our prayers are with you and Margaret. May she rest in peace. All of our children now know. And they send their condolences also."
"Tracy, Chris, Jordan and Jaran - We were so sad to hear about the loss of your mom/grandma. She was such a special lady. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your entire family. Love you, Brad, Kathy and Jason"
"Tracy and family- you are in our thoughts and our prayers with the loss of your mom. She always said she was the honorary grandma to all of the J-Hawk boys and she will be greatly missed!! Let us know if we can help you in any way."