Grace Ann Swanson

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Grace Ann (Schreiner) Swanson, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 10th in her apartment in Elk River, MN. 
Grace was born July 23, 1930, in Rib Lake, WI, to Frank and Anna Schreiner. She grew up on the farm with her brothers and sisters, but eventually made it to Minnesota where she met Sever (Sy) Swanson, the love of her life. Grace and Sy were married June 11th, 1950, and shared almost 60 years and two sons together before Sy’s passing in 2009. 
Grace’s life was characterized by her care for others. She was steadfast in caring for her family when needs arose. She worked as a nursing assistant and nurse, meeting the practical needs of others. She was also a prolific quilter and made many quilts for Lutheran Relief. As a nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Grace cared for and uplifted those around her. Her steady love for friends and family propelled those she loved to take on the challenges of life, to try and strive, and to better care for others.
Grace is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Anna Schreiner; husband, Sever Swanson; and sons, Daniel and David Swanson. Grace is survived by her daughter-in-law, Norene Swanson; grandchildren, Alan (Abbey) Swanson, Kristen (Nathan) Krisak; and great-grandchildren, Nickoli, Benjamin, Naphtali, Iva, Grace, and Bjorn. 
Grace will be interned at Mound Cemetery in Brooklyn Center, MN, with a graveside service for family at a date to be announced. Memories, tributes, pictures, and stories can also be shared digitally in the Memory Wall below.

Timeline

1950

June

Married Sy Swanson

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Memory wall

June 25, 2026

Gracie was the best she always remembered my birthday. Sent me some little rings in the mail, I was about 10. I was born on their Anniversary. She also made peach pie it was the first time I had it. She was a great cook. I miss her calling.
LaVonne Holmes

Lavonne holmes

June 24, 2026

Grace was the best grandma. I could go on and on about all the things we did together and all the memories we made. When I think about who grandma was though the first thing that comes to mind is love. How she loved was so deep and genuine when she shined her light on you it just filled you up. You couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She absolutely loved and adored my grandpa Sy. Every chance she had she would talk about how wonderful he was and how much she loved him. There wasn’t a person who met Grace that didn’t get to hear about her love for Sy. Grandma and I even got to share birthdays with each other. Every year saying happy birthday to each other. When my brother and I would have birthdays she would make sure to get the other sibling a small present too so they wouldn’t get jealous lol With her big love now comes big grief but I am so glad I got to experience it. She used to joke that song ,“Amazing Grace is about me you know,” I think she was right though she really was amazing Grace.

Kristen Swanson

June 24, 2026

Grace was the best mother-in-law. You could tell her anything and she would be supportive and non judgemental. She treated me more like a daughter than a daughter-in-law. She was such a caring and kind person. Neighbors, nurses and aides at her residences would always comment on how she was so sweet. She had an impact on me and all who she touched. She will be deeply missed.

Norene Swanson