(Dorthy) Jo Swanson

January 27, 1934 - June 7, 2017

(Dorthy) Jo Swanson, 83, of Ollie died Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney. She was born Saturday, January 27, 1934, in Bloomfield, the daughter of Carl and Helen Beggs Aeschliman. She graduated from Eldon High School with the class of 1952. She later attended A.I.B. in Des Moines. On June 6, 1953, Jo was united in marriage to Richard Swanson at the Agency United Methodist Church in Agency. Jo spent most of her life as a farm wife. She also worked at Gentry Insurance in Ollie and as the secretary at Prairie View United Methodist Church in Ollie. She was very involved in United Methodist Women and held several offices at the local and district levels. She was a volunteer for Keokuk County Hospice for over 30 years, taught Sunday School and served as a 4-H leader for many years. Jo enjoyed quilting and exhibited many of her works at the county fair. She also enjoyed reading. Jo had a servant’s heart and gave selflessly to underprivileged women and children. She rarely missed an opportunity to watch her grandkids perform or compete. Her true passion was her love for her family. She is survived by her husband of 64 years: Richard Swanson of Ollie; her daughter: Sandy (& John) Stevens of McGregor, Iowa; three sons: Steve (& Luann) Swanson and Scott (& Julie) Swanson both of Ollie and Roger (& Ann) Swanson of Hedrick; 10 grandchildren: Whitney (& Josh) Schneider, Abby Stevens, Grant (& Therese) Stevens, and John, Matthew, Jenna, Joel, Kira, Colton and Ryan Swanson; three great grandchildren: Owen and Olivia Schneider and Brenlynn Swanson; and two sisters: Margaurette Wilburn and El Dinah Stockham both of Bloomfield. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Nannette McBride. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 10:30 A.M. at the Prairie View United Methodist Church near Ollie with Pastor Dave Peterson officiating. As was her wish, her body has been cremated. Private family burial will be in McCormick Cemetery near Highland Center at a later date. Visitation will begin Friday, June 9, 2017, after 1 P.M. at Prairie View United Methodist Church and the family will be present at the church Friday from 5 to 7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives. Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to Keokuk County Hospice or Prairie View United Methodist Church Missions: Heifer International.