Constance June Swanberg, 80

Constance June Swanberg "went into the arms of her Heavenly Father" on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in the care of the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, surrounded by her family. Connie was born June 10, 1928, in Whitetail, to Edmund and Bertha (Safty) Mendenhall.

She grew up in Kalispell on a farm next to the Stillwater River. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1945 and attended Northern Montana College, receiving her teacher's degree. She taught in rural schools in Montana for five years.

She then married the love of her life, Donald S. Swanberg, on Aug. 20, 1950. She dedicated her life to her husband and three children.

She spent summers water skiing at Lake Five, picking huckleberries and gardening. In the winters she enjoyed ice skating, making baby quilts and selling Christmas trees. Her family loved her baked pies, homemade bread and cookies. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

For the last six years of her life, Connie had Alzheimer's and was able to spend that time in her home, lovingly cared for by her husband Don.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Dick Mendenhall; and one sister, Edna Mendenhall.

She is survived by her husband, Don, of 58 years; and her three children, Steve Swanberg, Aurelia Craig and husband, Pat, and Vivian Atkinson and husband, Jim, all of Kalispell; by one sister, Ethel Hendrickson, of Spokane; a niece, Evelyn Nyholm, of Spokane; and a nephew, Harvey Hendrickson, of Avon; a sister-in-law, Marge Swanberg; and brother-in-law, Ted Swanberg, and wife, Pat; and numerous Swanberg nieces and nephews.

She had the joy of welcoming into the world six grandchildren, Crystal Boyd and husband, Jim, Jason Gronley, Wendy Helm and husband, Ryan, Brenden Craig and wife, Karyn, Amy Craig, and Katie Meredith and husband, Jeff. She also had seven great-grandchildren, Miranda, Alisha and Hunter Boyd, Weston, Cameron and Dawson Gronley, and Porter Patrick Craig, born on St. Patrick's Day.

Private graveside rights are pending.

The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to the Bratsberg Memorial Unit, c/o Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Connie's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and to sign Connie's guestbook.