Sandra Swanson

Sandra Eileen Anderson Swanson, 64, died Tuesday, August 25^th, 2020 at home.  Sandra was born November 1, 1955 to Kenneth and Mary Lou (Andrews) Anderson in McVille, ND.  She grew up on the family farm south of Mapes ND.  She graduated from Michigan high school in 1974.  She continued her education at NDSCS graduating in 1975 with her LPN degree.  She later returned to school at NDSU graduating in 1981 with a RNAD.  She worked as a nurse for 43 years (mostly at Altru) before retiring    Sandra married Michael Swanson in Michigan Lutheran Church on August 3, 1985 before spending their life together in Grand Forks.  Sandra was involved with the Make-a-Wish foundation of ND for over 20 years as volunteer including 6 years on the Board of Directors.  She was very craft orientated and was known for her beautiful quilts that she made for her extended family.  She also was a voracious reader, excellent cook (especially her caramel rice Krispy bars), and loved to travel and spent time at their cabin on the Mississippi river near Bemidji. 

Sandra is survived by her husband Michael, son David (Danae) Swanson, Grand Forks; Brothers Allan (Deb) Anderson, and Bob Anderson, both of Michigan, ND; and Tom (Susan) Anderson, Lakota, ND; Father-in-law Richard, Clearwater, MN; Brother-in-law Steve, Monticello, MN; Sister-in-law, Kelly, Cavalier, ND; plus many cousins, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.   She is also survived by Aunt Rosie Anderson, Devils Lake, ND; Gloria Andrews, Coeur d’Alene, ID; Judy, AZ; Genevieve, TN; and Uncle Dick, OR.  She is also survived by her special “friend for life” Jody (Aafedt) Lunemann and cousin Audrey Haskell who was like a sister.   She was preceded in death by her son John Michael Swanson, parents, sister and brother-in-law Kay and Bob Shirek, mother-in-law Susan Swanson, and nephew Brent Swanson.  

Memorials can be sent to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of North Dakota or to the charity of your choice.

Services will be a grave side service to be held in the Michigan, ND cemetery just south of Michigan on Nelson County 35.  Service will start at 11 am on Friday August 28^th.   Due to Covid 19 concerns, social distancing will be observed and face masks will be required for those in attendance.   Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks is in charge of arrangements.  

To view a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/JV-wvBdtloU