"R.I.P.
Teresa S."
In loving memory of
Doris Sweningson
July 21, 1929 - May 2, 2019
Doris Irene (Hoppe) Sweningson, 89 of Winona and formerly of Utica died Thursday, May 2, 2019 at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.
Doris was born July 21, 1929 to Walter E. and Olga (Nuthak) Hoppe on a farm in Mt. Vernon township, Winona County. When she was 3, they moved to Norton township and she attended 1st grade at the Gensmer school. Later that year they moved to a farm by Altura and she attended Altura Elementary School for 5 years. Then her father bought a farm in St. Charles township and she went to Summit Elementary through 8th grade and St. Charles High School, graduating in 1949. Soon after graduation, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Currie Motor Co. in St. Charles where she met her husband, Orvin. They were married February 12, 1953. In 1968, she worked for attorney Roger Poole in Lewiston and then as the Lewiston Elementary school as secretary for 25 years.
Doris enjoyed taking pictures of her husband and family. She was so proud to give each of their 7 children a photo album from pictures she had saved for so many years. She did a beautiful job and all the kids knew it was made from her heart.
Doris is survived by her husband Orvin of 66 years; children, Rick (Patty) Sweningson, Janice (Michael) Fusco, Roger (Leslie) Sweningson, Ronnie (Dawn) Sweningson, Julie (Tim) Farrell and Jeffrey (Jackie) Sweningson; grandchildren, Cory (Cindy), Trevor (Tasha), Heather Fusco, Ryan Fusco, Kyle (Savanah), Eric (Mandy), Blake, Logan, Shawn (Rachel), Brandon (Sami) and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Sydney, Shelby, Thomas, Adah and River Rose; sister-in-law, Ila Hoppe and nieces and nephew, Gloria, Darlene and Keith.
She was preceded in death by her son, Randy of Winona; parents; brother, Willis Hoppe; sister, Gladys Hoppe; foster sister, Hannah (Alfred) Krause and their daughter, Grace and her husband and son.
Funeral Service will be 2 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - St. Charles. Visitation will be 1 p.m., until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery. Please share a memory of Doris, sign her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"I just talking to someone from Lewiston, MN and it reminded me of the Sweningson family. I did a google search and found this. Many good memories with them when I was a child. I remember Doris and how kind hearted she was. She will have the biggest wings in heaven. Jason Bautch Independence, WI"
"I hadn't seen Doris for over 20 years. What i remember about her is her smile and kindness. We would go to visit her out on the farm where all the kids were growing up. I did not know she was in St. Annes or would have gone to see her. She was loved by all. I am sure she will be missed by all. Bonnie Boettcher"
"My life is truly enriched by having known sweet and loving Doris. She greeted me warmly when I became the elementary principal in Lewiston/Altura. She was to be my secretary, but became so much more. She was loyal and protecting at all times. It used to make me smile when I was getting ready to go to Altura. In the winter, Doris would follow me to the front door and button my coat, as I seldom did. She would carry the mail bucket to the car as if I wasn't strong enough to. Even though Doris was delicate and looked fragile, she had the strength of a "mother bear". I learned a great deal from my sweet Doris. We became close friends and our friendship went far beyond my few years in Lewiston/Altura. It was always special to spend time with Doris and Orvin at Christmas time. She was the best hostess and always made us (the whole family) feel welcome. I truly miss her and will love her forever. I have never know anyone more kind, more loving or more gentle than Doris. Truly she was an angel on earth. I am so proud to have called her my friend. Sandra Grenell"
"Oh my! Where does one start!!!! We are so saddened to here of the loss our lovely friend, Doris.?? Doris held the Lewiston Elementary School together from the day she entered. She was everyone?s salvation!!! We all loved her with all our hearts!!! ........ not only the staff but all the students, as well!!! Can?t remember how many years she was CEO?, but just think how many lives she touched!!!! We all have such wonderful memories of Doris...... too many to even mention! One of the best might be her infectious laugh!! Gosh we all loved that women!!! Now we all need to take all of our memories of Doris, tuck them deeply within our hearts, and she will always be with us! How could we not remember her forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sweningson Family. "
"Doris was one of the most caring, patient, and happiness person I have ever known. RIP sweet Doris??"
"Jeff Jackie & Family - I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Kris"
"Doris was caring, kind and always had a wonderful smile. She loved both students and staff and was so easy to work with. She took pride in her work and her wonderful family. She will be missed. Gary and Marlys Mills"
"Doris will be missed dearly. My heart is sad and it goes out to her family. She was an amazing woman. She remained me of her mother, my Grandmother. She always had a warming smile and hugs to no end. I will miss our times together but greatful for what was given. God's mercy is beautiful for he taught us Love and forgiveness. One day we will meet again in His Kingdom where we can sing and dance together. Until then she will be in my heart keeping me warm with her smile and hugs. I love you Aunt Doris for today you rest in peace until we meet again. Love Gloria"
"My deepest sympathies. She was such a sweetheart. I enjoyed seeing her and talking with her when my daughter went to grade school. "
"Always so kind to everyone ...always greeting with a loving smile. Doris always had a positive attitude that brightened everyone's day. We teachers and the children loved her. Rest in Peace, Dear Sweet Lady. Mer & Mary Thoen"
"Such a beautiful lady! It was my pleasure to take care of her! Us Utica girls had to stick together. Will miss her very much and her kindness. Goodbye my Viking fan! May you RIP. Love, Micole, LPN"
"So sorry for your loss. Doris was such a sweet and kind lady. I such great memories of us kids walking down to play ball at your farm. Cindy Fabian Evans"