Mary Bernadette "Bernie" Swedenburg Swanson was born on August 10, 1947 in Kenmare North Dakota, to her loving parents Donald and Dorothy "Dottie" (Rowe) Swedenburg.  This is where her story Begins.

At the age of Nine, Bernie and her family moved to Thief River Falls, MN where she attended elementary school at St. Bernards and later graduated from Lincoln High School.

On November 1, 1963, at the young age of 16, Bernie married the love of her life Leslie "Les" Swanson.  Les and Bernie had four children; Tim Swanson of Thief River Falls, MN, Antoinette "Tonie" (Mike) Scheef of Warroad, MN, Travis (Kirsten) Swanson of Gwinner ND and Stef (Dennis) Youngberg of Askov, MN.  Bernie loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. The best gift for Bernie was to have her family at home, laughing and telling stories.

Bernie is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Dorothy Swedenburg, her infant sister Donna Swedenburg and her brother Spec. 4 Robert "Bobby" Swedenburg.  Bernie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Leslie. Her four Children Tim, Tonie, Travis and Stef and grandchildren Zachary (Travis) Swanson of Kansas City, Alicia Dykes of Overland Park, KS, Devin, Danica, and Danae Scheef all of the Fargo/Moorhead Area,  Dylan, Aydan and Keagan Swanson of Gwinner, ND and Reace and Shaw Youngberg of Askov, MN.   Bernie is survived by one Great Grandson, Collin Dykes of Overland Park, KS.  Bernie is also survived by her sisters Denise (Gubby) Lane, Patty (David) Carlson and Jackie Hamre all of Thief River Falls, along with many nieces, nephews, brother and sister inlaws.

Bernie had several jobs including working at Arctic Cat, Corner Drug and Amoco.  She was often found at Amoco having a cigarette with her customers. She enjoyed the company of longtime friend Laurel Swanson.

When the kids were young, much family time was spent at the Buzzle cabin.  Mom would always say she didn't like Buzzle too much, but the pictures and memories of her children would contradict that statement.  She loved to talk about the mice playing at the end of the bed!  Bernie loved to spend the summers at Lake of the Woods and did so for many years.  She was an avid fisher, but would never touch her catch, eat her catch or bait her own hook!  She loved spending time in the boat, occasionally at the wheel giving Les a chance to catch a few.  She also enjoyed swimming, cross-stitching, reading and playing electronic Yahtzee and playing on Facebook.

Bernie died peacefully at her home on Saturday January 21, 2017 with her husband, and family by her side.  A special thank you to her sister, Denise, for coming to see her every day.  Some may think that this is the end of her story, however it is not.  Bernie's  story will continue in the stories and memories shared by all who loved her and by the way her children and grandchildren continue her legacy.

Celebration of Life for Bernie Swanson will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will be held at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com