Marlene Swanson, age 74 of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Washburn, ND, was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 4, 2006 following a one year battle with ovarian cancer. She was at home surrounded by her loving family at the time of her death.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 8, 2006;
Birka Lutheran Church - rural Washburn, ND;
Rev. Dan Maurer, Officiating; Rev. Allen Wagner, Assisting;
Interment: Birka Lutheran Cemetery;
Visitation: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday at Goetz Funeral Home - Washburn;
Wednesday, 1 hour prior to time of service at the church.

Marlene Jean Swanson was born November 12, 1931 at Washburn, ND the daughter to Reinhold & Elizabeth (Albrecht) Geigle. She attended school in Washburn and graduated from Washburn High School in 1949. While attending high school, Marlene worked at the Nordquist Hotel in Washburn. On December 1, 1949 she was united in marriage to George W. Swanson at the Washburn Baptist Church. They lived and farmed 13 miles northwest of Washburn for 34 years before moving to Bismarck in 1984. Marlene was always active in her church and enjoyed singing, cooking, bowling, and serving as a Cub Scout den mother. She is remembered for her energetic personality and truly enjoyed the gift of giving. Marlene's greatest joy came from her family, grandchildren, and friends.

She leaves behind her Husband of 57 years, George W. Swanson of Bismarck, ND;
2 Sons, Dean A. (Sandy) Swanson and George L. (Val Rae) Swanson of Washburn, ND;
2 Daughters, Sandi (Jon) Strinden of Fargo, ND, and Debra (Bob) Nelson of St. Bonifacius, MN; 10 special Grandchildren, Erica, Ashley, Jordan, Paul, Timothy, Andrew, Daniel, Emily, Samantha, & Rebecca; 1 Sister, Clara Smith of San Diego, CA;
& several Nieces and Nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents (Reinhold & Elizabeth Geigle)

The family sends a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Minnesota Hospital. We also want to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from Medcenter One Hospice. Memorials are preferred to M.O.C.A. (Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Suite 100, 3751 Alabama Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN 55416) an organization that helps research and bring about ovarian cancer awareness to the medical community, and to the Medcenter One Hospice Program.

Those wishing to caravan to the Birka Lutheran Church can meet at the Nodak Mutual Insurance Building in Washburn (next to Bill's Super Valu) at 9:30 AM Wednesday morning.