Geri Swenson gained her angel wings on September 11, 2022 at Eagle Ridge Assisted Living, in Osceola, Wisconsin. Geri peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus.

She was born December 19, 1928 at home near Amery Wisconsin.

She was born on her father’s birthday and weigh only 3 ½ pounds. After Geri graduated from Grantsburg High School, she went on to get her nursing license in Frederic, Wisconsin. In 1948, she married her loving sweetheart at The Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Andy and Geri returned to that church year after year to renew their vows and celebrate their undying love. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in May 2019. Andy and Geri had three children (Linda, Mary Ann and Wayne) who were their pride and joy.

Geri worked at the St Croix Falls Hospital and clinic for many many years. After she retired from the medical field, she and Andy built Camp Waub O Jeeg. She ran the campground and always could keep the campers in line. Once they sold the campground it was their time to travel around the world and be of service to the lord.

Geri lived her life as an inspiration and an example to all. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Geri’s hobbies and interests were many. She loved to be outdoors, gardening, and working in the yard. In the spring and fall, you would always find her in the yard with a rake in her hands, where she found such enjoyment and pride in her work. She was an avid bird watcher. She knew the day that the hummingbirds would come in the spring and leave in the fall. And bread... She was the best bread maker. She was an accomplished painter, a quilter, and a homemaker.

She was dedicated to her church through Bible study, serving others, quilting and much more. She and her husband, Andy, did missionary work in Ecuador for many years. She stayed connected with that community the rest of her life. Together with her husband, her travels to other countries were many. They traveled light and with adventure in their hearts.

All were welcomed by her. She loved company. Coffee and treats were offered to all. She was a wonderful hostess. She could always gather her family or friends for a party in short order and everyone attended.

She is survived by her children Linda (Jim) Grandstrand, Mary Ann (Todd) Rivard, and Wayne (Kerry) Swenson; grandchildren Missy (Wilson) Mills, Steven (Amy) Grandstrand, Amy (Erik) Hansen, Kori Rivard, Kristi (Jeff) Winkels, Zac Rivard, Benjamin (Anna) Swenson, Mathew (Sara) Swenson, Jacob (Alison) Swenson, and Jessica (Matt) Halligan; great grandchildren Andrew Mills, Katie Mills, Nick Grandstrand, Megan Grandstrand, Ben Hansen, Emily Hansen, Anna Hansen, Sara Hansen, Ethan Ringel, Siena Ringel, Gavin Winkels, Garrett Winkels, Hailey Rivard, Luke Rivard, Gretta Rivard, Agatha Swenson, Pearl Swenson, Thora Plum Swenson, Mason Swenson, Anna Swenson, Ray Halligan, Madeline Halligan, and Silas Andrew Swenson.

Geri is predeceased in life by her husband Andy, parents Neil and Lucille Byl, Siblings Alyce Zeleznak, Kenneth Byl, Evelyn Byl, Vernon Byl, Herbert Byl, and Betty Struzina Grandson Christopher Battye.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Kitchen fund at First Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls, an organization Geri felt strongly about. She served many a meal in this kitchen over the years and was very involved.

The family would like to thank Eagle Ridge and Adoray Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they gave Geri this past year and half. She became very close to all the staff and always had a kind word and smile for each of them during their hard work days.

Last Update: Sep 12, 2022 7:18 pm CDT