Lois Elaine Swanson

Lois Elaine Swanson, 77, of Sandstone, Minnesota, passed away on March 18, 2012, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Lois was born to Raymond and Eva Hassler on May 26, 1934 at Princeton, Illinois. She graduated from Carthage College with a BA degree in music education, with minors in voice and organ. She was a soloist with the Carthage College Choir. Lois married Arnold Swanson on July 31, 1955. The couple lived most of their married life in Minnesota where her husband was a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. They raised two sons, Randall and Daniel. Lois enjoyed all forms of music. She was an organist, pianist and choir director in a number of churches. She had a long career as a Suzuki piano instructor, as well as an organ and voice teacher. Lois is survived by her husband, Arnold Swanson; son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Robin, of Franklin, Kentucky; daughter-in-law Weidan Swanson of Lorton, Virginia; granddaughter, Laura Swanson, of New York , New York, grandson, Paul Swanson of Franklin, Kentucky and grandson, Oliver Swanson of Lorton, Virginia. Lois was preceded in death by her son, Randall, her parents, Raymond and Eva Hassler, and her sister Marilyn Buss. A memorial service for Lois will be held on Saturday, March 31 at First Lutheran Church, Hinckley, Minnesota, 2:00 p. m. with the Rev. Karl Lunder, officiating. A time for visitation will be held at the church beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Lois’ home church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Princeton, Illinois.