Obituary of Lenette Marie Swanson

Lenette Marie Swanson, the daughter of Leonard John and Isabelle Ann (Mausser) Michael, was born August 2, 1957 in Independence, Iowa.  She graduated from North Linn of Coggon High School in 1975 and went on to Mt. Mercy to receive her degree in elementary education.  She later received her Master’s degree from Drake University. 

On May 14, 1977 Lenette agreed to go on a blind date with a young man named Doug Swanson.  On June 14, 1980 Lenette and Doug were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church in Walker, Iowa.  She taught at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines for nine years and then went on to teach for twenty-seven years in the Newton Community School District at Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson schools.

Lenette loved her kids and grandchildren.  She enjoyed traveling with her family and was always looking for ways to teach along the way.  Lenette was a great cook and added her artistic flare to her baked cookies.  No shopping trip would be complete unless a great bargain was located.  Lenette was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Newton.

Lenette died on Monday, May 15, 2017 at her home in Newton.  She was 59 years old.  Lenette was preceded in death by her father.

Those left to honor Lenette’s memory include her husband, Doug, of Newton, IA; her son, Joe (Heather) Swanson of Newton, IA; her daughters, Jess Swanson of Newton, IA; Theresa (Ryan) Comer of Newton, IA; her three grandchildren, Jack, Ruby and Clayton; her mother, Isabelle Michael of Walker, IA; her brothers, Steve (Deb) Michael of Walker, IA, Stan Michael of Walker, IA, and Ken Michael of Ft. Worth, TX; her mother-in-law, Ramona Swanson of Newton; her brother-in-law, Gary (Geri) Swanson of Concord, NC and her faithful dog, Gus.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton.  The family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  Memorials may be designated in Lenette’s name and may be left at the church or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.