West Des Moines
Martha H. (Berens) Swanson, 93, West Des Moines, Iowa joined her beloved husband Verner H. Swanson (March 25, 1921 – April 10, 1992) in eternal life on (June 4, 2015). Martha was born June 2, 1922 to John and Katie Berens of Burtrum, Minnesota, and was the sister of Bertha Besnett, Theresa Marty, and Rose Johnson.
Martha attended Burtrum Elementary and High School, earning merits for her outstanding work and class ranking. She continued her education in Business training and worked as a secretary for several years at General Mills in Minneapolis, Minnesota before starting a family. She was married on June 8, 1946 in Grey Eagle, Minnesota.
Her spirit is carried on by her three children and their families: Curtis and Julia Swanson of Eatonville, Washington, Wendy Swanson-(Kennedy) and Dave Kennedy of West Des Moines, and Greg Swanson of West Des Moines. She was the cherished grandmother of Brian and Craig Swanson and proud aunt to several nieces and nephews. Her memory will be treasured by an extended family of relatives and friends from every walk of life.
Martha was known to be a woman of love, generosity and vitality. Her limitless energy demonstrated her “joie de vivre”. She made friends easily and maintained contact with friends and family through her beautiful and distinctive handwriting.
She often reminisced about her life in Missoula, Montana (where she raised her family) and her childhood growing up in rural Minnesota. Martha’s childhood memories of being at Mound Lake and in Burtrum, Minnesota were truly similar to episodes of “Little House on the Prairie” (one of her favorite television shows).
Martha was an avid reader of biographies, a political activist, gardener, crossword puzzle enthusiast and bird-watcher (she could often be seen and heard whistling to the cardinals in her backyard). Martha’s beautiful rose bushes and flower beds were always the envy of the neighborhood. Of course, her favorite pastime was providing “doggy day care” for her daughter’s ShihTzus “SnaxPax” and “Yahoo”, who were her very loyal companions.
Martha valued education and community charity work. She was active in the West Des Moines Women’s Club, serving as Secretary and President for several terms. She also enjoyed being a Troop Leader Supervisor for her children’s Boy Scout and Campfire Girls groups for several years in Montana. Martha was a woman of strong faith and values. She engaged in volunteer and committee work at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines and at St. Anthony’s Church in Missoula, Montana, along with numerous West Des Moines Women’s Clubs charity events.
Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be at McLaren’s Chapel from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2015. A private interment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 1615 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
In lieu of flower arrangements, the family would appreciate live flowering plants, rose bushes, or garden plants which will be re-planted as part of a memorial garden at her home.
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