Mary Kathryn Swanstrom

She was born in Duluth on March 15, 1922 to Carl and Jessamine (Woodruff) Kohlbry.

Mary Kay was a 1940 Duluth Central graduate. She went on to attend two years at Lindenwood College in Springfield, Missouri , and graduated from the University of MN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economists.

On June 16, 1945, she married Bob “Swany” Swanstrom in Duluth.

During the Korean War, Bob was drafted and stationed in Germany where he practiced dentistry. Mary Kay along with her two young sons traveled across the ocean to join Bob, and made Germany their home for the next two years.

While living in Germany, their daughter was born; creating a family of five.

Later, after returning to Duluth, the Swanstroms enlarged their family by opening their hearts and home to Liz, Grace and Kelly.

Mary Kay began her “faith walk” at Fredenberg Chapel. She was a current member of Lakeview Covenant Church and recently attended Cloquet Gospel Tabernacle. She has previously served as President of the Christian Womens Club, was a Guide with the Friendship Bible Coffees and had taught Release Time Christian Education.

One of Mary Kay’s passions was writing. She was a member of the Manuscript Club and was working a book called, “The Spark of God.” She had also attended the Billy Graham School of Christian Writing.

Mary Kay was an active and longtime member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Monthly, along with 14 other ladies, she enjoyed the Luncheon Club, and danced at the Kitchi Gammi Club with the Bicycle Club of Bombay.

She was also a hospice volunteer with St. Mary’s Hospital for three years, and a charter member of the Arrowhead Home Economist.

Mary Kay was known for her collections, which included many antiques and over 200 foreign dolls. She often had speaking engagements about this collection, which was later donated to the Pediatric Ward at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Mary Kay is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; and two brothers, Carl Jr. and Thomas Kohlbry.

She is survived by her three children; sons, Bob Jr., of Hermantown and Jim (Barb) of Pike Lake and daughter, Sue (Glenn) Hagberg of Cloquet; her brother, Dick (Mary) Kohlbry; six grandchildren, Erin, Lauren and Peter Swanstrom, Glenn Jr. (Melissa), Bryan and Robbie Hagberg; two great-grandchildren, Jack and Emma Hagberg; Brother-in-law, Tom Swanstrom; sister-in-law, Norma Swanstrom; and cherished women, Liz (John) O’Byrne, Grace Handeland and Kelly Bergman.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 12:30 until the 2:00 Memorial Service Saturday, October 30th, 2010 in Lakeview Covenant Church. 1001 Jean Duluth Road. Rev. Jeffrey Burton officiating. Inurnment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to: North Place (A Covenant Enabling Home). 322 N. 60th Ave. West. Duluth, MN 55807; where her grandsons, Robbie and Bryan reside.

To leave a memory of Mary Kay or words of support for the family, please visit www.BellBrothersJarviDowd.com

Arrangements by Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd. 218-722-5131.