Leona M Swanson

Leona Marie Swanson, aged 84, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. A woman defined by her remarkable work ethic and devotion to her family and community, she leaves behind a legacy of service and love.

As a young adult, a shy farm boy from Dent, MN, named Bill, caught her eye somehow while he was attending the University of North Dakota. Leona and Bill were united in marriage September 10, 1966, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Drayton, ND. Shortly after, they moved to Fergus Falls where Bill started working in the lab at Lake Region Hospital. Together, they made a wonderful life together until Bill’s passing on March 27, 1999.

Those who knew Leona, knew that she truly thrived with hard work, a trait that shone brightly throughout her long career in the legal field. She was immensely proud of her work helping others, serving primarily as a legal assistant. She began her career in Grand Forks before joining the Pemberton Law Firm in Fergus Falls. She remained a respected and highly regarded fixture at the firm for 31 years until her retirement in 2009, earning the deep admiration of all her co-workers.

Her dedication extended well beyond her professional life. A long-standing and devoted member of Our Lady of Victory Church for over 50 years, she served her parish in numerous roles. Most notably, she brought comfort to many as a lay minister for local nursing homes and recently dedicated her time to the church cemetery board.

Leona was a vibrant spirit. She loved staying active and engaging with the world around her. For over 15 years, she could frequently be seen taking walks with her beloved dog, Gunner. She was a familiar and enthusiastic face at community events, especially cheering on the local Otter and Spartan games. Passionate about the local arts, she also spent many evenings volunteering as an usher at the Center for the Arts. Above all, she cherished keeping up with the busy lives and activities of her grandchildren and her extensive extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Helen Schumacher; her husband, William Swanson; her parents-in-law, Arvid and Marie Swanson; her brother, Larry Schumacher; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lyle Swanson, Jerald Swanson, Keith Swanson, Mike Staffne, Murray Meyer, Sandra Schumacher, Francis Kowalski, and Peggy and Rick Wilcox.

She is survived, and will be deeply missed, by her children, Bill (Carla) Swanson of Fergus Falls, MN, and Christine Cabrera (Rod Koble) of Coleharbor, ND; her grandchildren, Olivia Swanson, Eric Swanson, Caleb Cabrera, and Joshua Cabrera; her siblings, Gerald Schumacher, Shirley Kowalski, Elwood (Dorothy) Schumacher, Cathy Staffne, and Bob (Jane) Schumacher; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joyce Meyer, Trudy Swanson (Glenn) Schreier, Diane Cataldo, and Else Swanson; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Funeral Service will be held 11 AM, Tuesday June 2, 2026, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls, MN. A visitation will be held Monday June 1, 2026, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN from 5-7 PM, and will continue at the church an hour prior to the service. Burial following the service will be at St. Otto's Catholic Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all of you for your attendance, warm notes, and expressions of kindness during this time. She was well-loved, and your support helps us all feel that deeply. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Our Lady of Victory School in Fergus Falls, as Leona would have deeply appreciated supporting the school.