Shirley Jean (Dahnke) Swanson

Shirley Jean Dahnke – Swanson was born April 26, 1937 in Sutherland, Iowa. Shirley attended grade school in Sutherland and country schools south of Hartley, Iowa. She graduated from Hartley High School in 1955 and attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, majoring in Education. 

Shirley accepted a 4th grade teaching position in Primghar, Iowa, where she taught until 1959. On June 14, 1959, Shirley married Gary Swanson and began their 62+ year life as one. The couple moved from Spencer, Iowa, to Vermillion, South Dakota, where Shirley taught 4th and 3rd grade. Their first child, Mark, was born in Missoula, Montana. Shirley worked at KMSO TV as a producer and took care of the family.

In 1961, the family moved to Park Forest, Illinois, and then to Wheaton, Illinois. Shirley worked as a substitute teacher, then accepted a position as Editor of the Student American Medical Association (SAMA) professional journal. 

Shirley was an accomplished musician. She initially played piano and later added trombone at the special request of a school band director. Shirley earned first place in many music contests and loved performing in the Hartley High School Marching Band. She also participated in choirs, later becoming a soloist with the Buena Vista University Choir. In addition, Shirley loved the powerful sound of pipe organs, becoming a self-taught organist propelled by her love of music. 

The family moved to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, in 1975. Shirley and Gary started a medical product testing laboratory for manufacturers of medical products. Shirley was an active partner the laboratory business. The couple welcomed a second child in 1977. Together, the Swansons operated three family-owned corporations over the next 45 years. 

Shirley, the daughter of Irvin Dahnke and Lizzie Wittrock – Dahnke, passed away November 12, 2021, following a short illness. Shirley was predeceased by both of her parents, her sister Phyllis, and brother-in-law Elfred Eifert.

Shirley leaves two children, Mark of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and Louis [née: Lisa] (Kris) of Okinawa, Japan, and her husband of 62 years to mourn her passing and cherish her memory.

Visitation was held 1:30 PM Wednesday November 17, until time of service at 2:00 PM at the Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory 730 N. Wisconsin Street Elkhorn, Wisconsin with Pastor Tom DeGroot officiating.  Graveside service was held Thursday at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley Iowa.  On-line guest registry is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.