Jean (Edwards) Swanson

Jean (Edwards) Swanson, 94, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Jean was born, February 8, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan to Raymond and Della Duncklee. She was adopted when she was 4 years old by Karl and Stella Edwards.  

Jean grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1942.  She attended Eastern Michigan University.  On May 25, 1946, Jean married Milo Christopher Swanson. She and Milo were married for 57 years, and the two frequently participated in many Bethany Lutheran Church, Pine Lake Grange, Indiana State Grange, and many service projects together.  She loved baking, gardening, nature, animals, and motor-homing with Milo after his retirement.  She worked for the LaPorte Herald Argus and the Michigan City News Dispatch while raising her three daughters.  She is proceeded in death by her husband Milo, her daughter Karen Liedeke, and grandson Brent Donaldson.  She leaves behind her daughters Judith Swanson of La Porte, and Nancy (Brian) Alfing of Amado, AZ, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her dear friend William (Bill) Allen.

Jean has been a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte since 1946, and over the years has been involved with many groups including Kouples Klub, Vacation Bible School, youth group, communion, quilting, and funeral luncheons. She was a member of Pine Lake Grange #1044 since 1947, and delivered Meals-On-Wheels for 30 years.  She was involved in many volunteer activities and charitable organizations over the years including Center Township Volunteer Fire Department FireBelles, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, election day volunteering, providing food and visits to elderly and ill, and has given to Compassion International and Samaritan's Purse for years.  She is well known for her letter writing (and photo and newspaper clipping updates) to relatives, friends and acquaintances across the country.  

A memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 1, 2018 with Pastor Dennis Meyers officiating.  Burial was in Pine Lake Cemetery.  Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International (12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Spring, CO 80921),  Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation (102 G St. LaPorte, IN 46350), and American Brain Tumor Association (8550 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631).  

Please share prayers, condolences and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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