Obituary of Laverne E. Larson-Swanson

Laverne Larson Swanson, a long-time resident of the Cambridge area was granted her angel wings on Thursday, September 14th after 97 ½ years on earth. Her final days were spent at Heartwood Senior Living Center in Crosby, MN. Laverne was born on March 11, 1919 in Cambridge, MN to Oscar and Mabel (Torell) Wallin. She was the fifth of eleven children, and was raised on the family farm in Walbo. She attended school at Walbo Country School. She married Marvin Larson in 1937 and they were happily married for 49 ½ years. They lived in numerous locations, finally settling on the family farm in Springvale Township. They had two daughters, Deanna and Karen. Laverne worked outside of the home at the Arsenal, then later at Honeywell. After her retirement, they moved into Cambridge where they enjoyed their final years together. After Marvin’s passing n 1986, Laverne married Rodney Swanson. They resided in Cambridge, traveling extensively during the winter. Rodney passed away in 2004. Laverne continued to live in her Cambridge home for many years, then moved to apartments in East Terrace Co-op, River Hills, and eventually relocated to Heartwood Senior Center (Crosby, MN) in 2013 so she could be near her daughter. Laverne attended Cambridge Lutheran Church from birth, and was a faithful member throughout her life. In her later years, when it became difficult to attend Church, she contributed toward the Sunday radio broadcast, ensuring she and other shut-ins could listen to the Sunday service each week. Laverne loved a good meal and a cup of Folger’s coffee, socializing, playing cards, and her flowers. She loved to sing old time songs and hymns. One of her favorite pastimes was sharing stories about genealogy. She loved to figure out how you, or someone you knew, were related to her. Most dear to her were her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was devoted to her family and spent time with them as often as possible. Laverne is survived by her daughters, Deanna (Archie) Olson of Deerwood, and Karen Mattson of International Falls/Sun City. She has 5 Grandsons, Jay Larson, Jack Mattson, Craig (Monica) Olson, Jon (Cheryl) Mattson and Shawn Olson; and 1 Granddaughter, Dayette (Dale) O’Brien. Laverne is survived by numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and three Godchildren. Laverne is also survived by two sisters Joyce (Don) Tessmer, and Norma Ziebarth, brother Blaine Wallin, and special niece and nephew Dorienne Smith and Dwaine (Lorna) Larson. Laverne was preceded in death by husbands Marvin Larson and Rodney Swanson, parents Oscar and Mabel, brothers Lawrence, Kermit, Clifford, Marvin and Waldon, and sisters Bernice and Francis. She was the beloved matriarch of her family and will be dearly missed.