Marilyn J. Swanson

A Funeral Service for Marilyn J. Swanson will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart, Jr. officiating. Following the service, cremation will take place and an inurnment will be held at a later date.

Marilyn JoAnn (Johnson) Swanson, 84 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away unexpectedly, on December 7, 2021, at her home in Holdrege.  Marilyn was born in Holdrege on June 20, 1937, the youngest of three children, born to Ellsworth and Marie (Lonn) Johnson.  She received her education from Holdrege Public Schools, and graduated with the class of 1955. Marilyn pursued higher education, receiving her teacher's certificate and later, went back to school, taking night classes and attending summer school to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Nebraska State Teachers College.

Marilyn and Dee first met when they were just five years old, playing together in the front of her father's jewelry store. They had their first date while in junior high in Holdrege. They graduated high school and together, they both began classes at the Nebraska State Teachers College. The couple were engaged in 1956, and married on June 29, 1958, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege. The couple were blessed with two children: Mark and Cindy, and the family made their home in Holdrege.

Marilyn was an elementary school teacher for 40 years and at her retirement celebration, the president of the school board said: "It is very unusual to have a teacher that could teach for 23 years in any school system without one complaint by a parent or a student. But Marilyn did." In 1997, she was awarded the Master Teacher Award by the Holdrege Board of Education and the Ken Kohlsheen Teachers Choice Award. In recognition of 40 years of service to education, she was awarded a plaque by the Holdrege Education Association. Marilyn was an excellent example of success through education and hard work. She was a huge advocate for education and continuing your education, and she was so proud of her children and grandchildren for graduating college.

Marilyn's faith was often noted as she would say, "Dee, have faith in God, what will be will be." Marilyn loved her church and was always ready to help, especially with food and preparation. She was an excellent cook and was often asked to share some of her favorite recipes.  She was a caller for the Blood Mobile for many years and it will be difficult to fill her role.

Marilyn was a very humble person, never bragging or talking much about her accomplishments. Not many people knew she was a grand champion seamstress at the Nebraska State Fair when she was in high school. She contributed her sewing skills to her mother, Marie Johnson. Marilyn admitted that she would cry by the hour when her mother would make her undo and start over until she had it perfect.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers: Bruce Johnson and his wife, Irene; and Ronny Johnson; father and mother-in-law, Clarence Arthur and Helen Leon Swanson; brother-in-law, James Arthur Swanson.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dee Swanson of Holdrege; children: Cindy Beaman and her husband, Doug of Grand Island, Nebraska; Mark Swanson and his wife, Teresa of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Craig Beaman and his wife, Emily of Kearney, Nebraska; Cassie Swanson of Kansas City, Missouri; Kyle Beaman of Grand Island; and Connor Swanson and his wife, Taylor of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; two great-grandchildren: Max and Charlie Beaman; sisters-in-law: Ann Marie Johnson; Patricia Leon; and Beverly Swanson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Marilyn's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.