Obituary for Marian Joan Swanson (Cloots)
Iron Mountain- Marian Joan Swanson, 89, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at MorningStar Assisted Living, Wheat Ridge, Colo., surrounded by her family. Marian resided in Iron Mountain for 79 years. In 2016 she moved to Colorado to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
Marian was born October 20, 1931, in Norway, Mich., daughter of the late Julius and Mary (DeBen) Cloots. She moved to Iron Mountain when she was six years old and was a graduate of Iron Mountain High School, class of 1949. Following graduation, she attended the University of Michigan, where she graduated in 1953 with a degree in education. Marian began her career at Kingsford High School, where she taught typing, shorthand, and business classes. She taught full and part-time for 17 years and continued to keep in touch with many of her students.
On June 9, 1956, she was united in marriage to Donnell Edward Swanson at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain, Mich. This year, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Marian used her business and organizational skills working with her dad, Julius, and her husband Don at Cloots and Swanson Wholesale Supplies. The family-owned and operated the business for over 30 years until they sold it in 1990.
Marian was a member of St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, a former member of the Chippewa Club, and a member of Pine Grove Country Club for 63 years. She belonged to the local Women’s Club, as well as many bridge clubs. Marian and Don shared many meals and fun times with their dear friends in their “Supper Club” for over 50 years.
She and Don started dating at the eastside ice rink and continued skating together until they were 75. They cross county skied and golfed with their many lifelong friends. After retirement, Marian and Don traveled around the United States playing as many golf courses as they could find along their route. For years they traveled to Arizona and Florida to enjoy the sunshine and golf with their snowbird friends. Colorado was a favorite destination to spend time with their daughter Anne and her family. Other destinations that provided some wonderful memories were Hawaii, Europe, and Scandinavia.
Marian loved sports and enjoyed cheering for her grandchildren at their many sporting events. She was a loyal University of Michigan fan as well as an avid Packer fan. Marian loved reading, knitting, playing bridge, and gardening. Her family and friends were always amazed at her beautiful begonias that lined the front of her house.
Survivors include her loving husband, Don; their daughter, Anne Swanson Chritz, Arvada, Colo.; three grandchildren, Kevin (Alex) Chritz, Arvada, Colo., Brian (Jessica) Chritz, Berthoud, Colo., and Michelle Chritz, Arvada, Colo.; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Calvin Chritz.
In addition to her parents, Marian was preceded in death by one brother, Henry Cloots; and son-in-law, Carl Chritz.
A private memorial service will be held at Horan and McConaty, Arvada, Colo. Local arrangements are being handled by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, Mich. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.
In place of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to Iron Mountain High School General Scholarship Fund in Marian’s memory. Checks can be made to IMHS General Scholarship Fund and mailed to Iron Mountain High School, 300 West B Street, Iron Mountain, MI 49801. Memorials or cards can be sent to: Donnell Swanson, 10100 W. 38th Ave. #203, Wheat Ridge, Colo., 80033.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to MorningStar Assisted Living in Wheat Ridge, Colo. For their kindness and loving care.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Marian’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Marian’s legacy of life.
Marian was born October 20, 1931, in Norway, Mich., daughter of the late Julius and Mary (DeBen) Cloots. She moved to Iron Mountain when she was six years old and was a graduate of Iron Mountain High School, class of 1949. Following graduation, she attended the University of Michigan, where she graduated in 1953 with a degree in education. Marian began her career at Kingsford High School, where she taught typing, shorthand, and business classes. She taught full and part-time for 17 years and continued to keep in touch with many of her students.
On June 9, 1956, she was united in marriage to Donnell Edward Swanson at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain, Mich. This year, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Marian used her business and organizational skills working with her dad, Julius, and her husband Don at Cloots and Swanson Wholesale Supplies. The family-owned and operated the business for over 30 years until they sold it in 1990.
Marian was a member of St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, a former member of the Chippewa Club, and a member of Pine Grove Country Club for 63 years. She belonged to the local Women’s Club, as well as many bridge clubs. Marian and Don shared many meals and fun times with their dear friends in their “Supper Club” for over 50 years.
She and Don started dating at the eastside ice rink and continued skating together until they were 75. They cross county skied and golfed with their many lifelong friends. After retirement, Marian and Don traveled around the United States playing as many golf courses as they could find along their route. For years they traveled to Arizona and Florida to enjoy the sunshine and golf with their snowbird friends. Colorado was a favorite destination to spend time with their daughter Anne and her family. Other destinations that provided some wonderful memories were Hawaii, Europe, and Scandinavia.
Marian loved sports and enjoyed cheering for her grandchildren at their many sporting events. She was a loyal University of Michigan fan as well as an avid Packer fan. Marian loved reading, knitting, playing bridge, and gardening. Her family and friends were always amazed at her beautiful begonias that lined the front of her house.
Survivors include her loving husband, Don; their daughter, Anne Swanson Chritz, Arvada, Colo.; three grandchildren, Kevin (Alex) Chritz, Arvada, Colo., Brian (Jessica) Chritz, Berthoud, Colo., and Michelle Chritz, Arvada, Colo.; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Calvin Chritz.
In addition to her parents, Marian was preceded in death by one brother, Henry Cloots; and son-in-law, Carl Chritz.
A private memorial service will be held at Horan and McConaty, Arvada, Colo. Local arrangements are being handled by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, Mich. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.
In place of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to Iron Mountain High School General Scholarship Fund in Marian’s memory. Checks can be made to IMHS General Scholarship Fund and mailed to Iron Mountain High School, 300 West B Street, Iron Mountain, MI 49801. Memorials or cards can be sent to: Donnell Swanson, 10100 W. 38th Ave. #203, Wheat Ridge, Colo., 80033.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to MorningStar Assisted Living in Wheat Ridge, Colo. For their kindness and loving care.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Marian’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Marian’s legacy of life.