Gladys M. Swanson

Gladys Swanson, 92, of Geneseo, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Hammond Henry Hospital Long Term Care. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at First Lutheran Church Geneseo. Pastor Matt Kamprath will officiate. Friends and family of Gladys may call from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Social Services (www.Issi.org) 1001 East Touhy Suite 50 , Des Plaines, IL. 60018, or First Lutheran Church, 114 E. Main Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Gladys was born in Geneseo, IL on October 9, 1931, to Alfred and Helen (Olson) Anderson. She was a life member of First Lutheran Church in Geneseo; and was baptized, confirmed, and married at First Lutheran. She was active in her church life as a Sunday School teacher, Luther League member, choir member, and Mission Band, and was even the first one from First Lutheran to attend the first National Youth Convention in Duluth, MN. She was a member of WELCA, church council, and chairman of the kitchen for many years.

Gladys graduated from Geneseo High School in 1949.

Gladys married H. Leroy Swanson on July 15, 1950. They farmed in Phenix Township after Leroy returned from Korea, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage before Leroy passed away in 2008.

Gladys was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved genealogy and keeping up with her family. She was also proud of her Swedish heritage and belonged to Svenska Klubben.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Helen (Olson) Anderson, her husband H. Leroy Swanson, her brother Donald Anderson, and her daughter Mary (Swanson) Fuelling.

Those left to cherish her memory are her brother Gayle (Phyllis) Anderson of Fishers, IN, son-in-law Mark (Becky) Fuelling, grandchildren Matt (Tricia) Fuelling, Megan (Sarah) Fuelling, great-grandchildren Gretchen, Hannah, Lucas, and Kane, and step-great grandchildren Ben and Andrew Oliver. She is also loved and remembered by many nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.