Edna Swanson, 85, of Browerville, and a resident of the Long Prairie Memorial Nursing Home, went home to be with the Lord on November 5, 2008.  Funeral services for Edna were held on Friday, November 7, 2008, 1 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Browerville with Pastor Nate Loer officiating.  Interment was at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Swanville.

Edna was born on May 20, 1923, in Culdrum Township, Morrison County, to Theodore & Alvina (Steinke) Stapel.  She attended a local country school and in 8th grade attended Swanville Public School.  Edna later entered St. Mary’s College, St. Barnabus and the U of M, pursuing a nursing degree.   She worked at Honeywell and Sir Knights Dry-cleaning in Minneapolis.  In 1945 she went on a blind date, fell in love, and was married on July 20 for 34 years.  Edna was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Browerville, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and the American Cancer Society.  She worked very hard for these organizations, and enjoyed participating in fundraising efforts.  Edna loved music of all kinds, singing, attending dances, and was an avid reader.  She played clarinet and piano.    Edna enjoyed a variety of activities, including quilting, traveling and movies, but was happiest when with her family.

Edna is survived by her sister, Margaret (John) Kuehne of Waite Park, seven children:  Dennis (Joy) of Anoka, Donald (Marcy) of Long Prairie, Robert of Eau Claire, WI, Carol Branby of Browerville, William (Lynda) of Ames, Iowa, Michael (Sherry) of Browerville, Linda Swanson of St. Louis Park, 17 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Edna is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon Swanson, aunt, Hulda Stapel and other loved relatives.