Arlene Jeanette Swanson, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2020 at the River Falls Area Hospital.
Service times have been updated as follows: A private family service will be held on Thursday, July 30th at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Oak Grove Township, with burial in the church cemetery. A public Celebration of Life will follow at the Ridgetop, W10516 US Hwy 10, Prescott WI from 4:00-7:00pm. All are welcome.
Arlene was born August 17, 1932, to Alfred and Mary (Pearson) Larson in St. Paul, MN. The youngest of five children, she grew up on Pig’s Eye Island and attended Harding High School. She met Wisconsin dairy farmer, James Anderson at the Prescott Wisconsin July 4th parade in 1948 and were united in marriage on February 10, 1951.
The couple settled on the family farm in Prescott and together established Anderson Dairy. Arlene was a hard worker and was a partner in the farming. James and Arlene were dedicated farmers, loved to have friends over to play cards, and traveled when they could in later years. Arlene lost her true love and partner of 49 years on August 18, 1999 when James passed away.
Arlene then met Clifford Swanson during the summer of 2000 and they were married on January 6, 2001. Together they enjoyed taking trips, playing cards and spending time with family. Clifford passed away on April 17, 2010.
Arlene was a devoted member of the St. John’s United Church of Christ of Oak Grove Township, serving on church council for many years and volunteered for any event. She was dedicated member of the Prescott community and surrounding areas serving on various boards over the years.
Arlene had a love for gardening and enjoyed sharing her flower gardens with her friends, family and neighbors. You would also find Arlene in the kitchen, as she loved to bake and cook for any event. She enjoyed dancing, especially the polka and loved any type of music. Arlene was an avid card player and loved to watch the local sports teams, especially the WI Badgers and MN Gophers.
Arlene was very proud of her family, especially her grand-children and great grand-children, as she was always sharing their accomplishments, life events and news with her neighbors and friends. Arlene had an impact on so many and will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her children, Ted (Joy), Steve (Becky), Vicki Fredine, Peggy (Scott) Jensen, Mark (Kim), Peter, and Amy (Terry) Beltrand; 22 grandchildren; and 29 great grand children, as well as her extended family of Thomas (Karen), David (Kris), Mary, Kathleen, and John; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: James and Clifford; siblings: Oscar, Lucile, Harold, and Edna and Clifford’s son Richard.
