Dorothy Swedenburg, 84, died on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at her residence in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 PM, Monday, February 21, 2011 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will be at St. Bernards Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 3-6 PM, Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 5:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Dorothy Rowe was born on November 27, 1926 in Fall River, Massachusetts, to John and Mary Lima Rowe. She grew up in Fall River.

She met her future husband Donald Peter Swedenburg while he was stationed in the Navy. Don finished his time in the navy and returned to Massachusetts to ask Dorothy to marry him. They were united in marriage June 15, 1945 at St. Marys Cathedral. They started their married life out in New Town and Kenmare, ND before moving to Thief River Falls in the early 1960s. Dorothy worked in the cafeteria at Lincoln High School for a few years, then she waitressed at the Elks and the VFW.

Dorothy enjoyed lying in the sun and spending time at the beach. She liked walking around town. She enjoyed playing bingo and socializing at the casino. She was active in her grandchildrens lives and liked doing all of the grandma things with them. She was a gold star mother after losing her son in the Vietnam War. In the last few years she has enjoyed watching television.

Dorothy is survived by 4 daughters: Bernadette (Leslie) Swanson, Thief River Falls, MN, Denise (Gubby) Lane, Thief River Falls, Patricia (David) Carlson, Thief River Falls, MN, Jacqueline Hamre, Thief River Falls, MN, 9 grandchildren: Ashley Hamre, Sarah Hamre, Jack Hamre, Melissa (Patrick Streyle) Lofberg, Shannan (Randy) Glaze, Tim (Linda) Swanson, Toni (Mike) Scheef, Stephany (Dennis) Youngberg, Travis (Kirstin) Swanson, Great grandchildren: Liberty Streyle, Samantha & Sarah Glaze, Zachary & Aleshia Swanson, Devon, Danica, Danae Scheef, Reace & Shaw Youngberg, Keagan, Aiden, Dylan Swanson, great great grandson Collin Swanson, sister: Joni Tucker, Middleton, RI, brother Herbert Rowe, Florida, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband in 1993, son Robert Swedenburg in 1969, daughter Donna in 1956, 3 brothers, Robert, John, Chickie, 3 sisters, Rose Finn, Mary Morison, Loraine Kolicz, son in law Kevin Hamre.