Dorothy G. Swensen, age 88, a Manitowoc resident entered eternal life on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center in Manitowoc where she resided since April 2015.
Dorothy was born on March 13, 1928 in Manitowoc. She was the daughter of the late John and Grace O'Hearn Keehan. Dorothy was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1946. She continued her education at Manitowoc County Normal where she received her teaching certificate. Dorothy went on to further her education at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc where she received her Bachelor's Degree in 1971. Dorothy spent 35 years as an elementary teacher in local Catholic schools. She then went back to school attending Lakeshore Technical College enrolling in the Certified Nursing Assistant program. Dorothy then became employed with Holy Family Memorial Medical Center Home Care for the next 17 years. She enjoyed flowers and gardening. Dorothy was married to Raymond Erickson who preceded her in death. She later married Omen O. Swensen in 1979 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manitowoc. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2012.
She is survived by six daughters: Sherryl Garza and special friend James Niles, Beaver Dam; Shelley "Pinky" (Steve) Schwartz, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Joan Erickson, San Mateo, CA; Patrice Vogel and special friend Ron, Chilton; Kelleen Erickson, Manitowoc; Tari (Andy) Miller, Manitowoc; one son: Gerald Erickson, Orlando, FL; one step daughter: Gail Milks, Fond du Lac; twenty seven grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren, one brother: Michael (Marilyn) Keehan, Branch; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Grace Keehan; two sons-in-law: Ken Vogel and Thomas Garza; one brother: Donald Keehan; and one sister: Virginia Keehan.
Private memorial services for the family are being scheduled for a later date at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center for their kind and loving care shown to our mother.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.