Dorothy Rose Swanson, born Feb. 12, 1931, in Lyons, passed peacefully on Aug. 11, 2026, surrounded by love and comforted by her strong and enduring faith.
Dorothy was the daughter of Frank and Katherine (Ehlen) Schuerman and spent her entire life in the Lyons and Burlington communities. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, she married Norman Swanson at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyons in 1952. Together, Dorothy and Norm shared 74 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family, and building a lifetime of memories.
Dorothy’s faith was a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her life. She remained steadfast in her relationship with God through both life’s joys and challenges.
A dedicated and hardworking woman, Dorothy spent more than 50 years working at what is now Town Bank. She was also a longtime member of Burlington Professional Women, where she belonged for more than 50 years and formed many lasting friendships while contributing her time and talents to the community.
Music was one of Dorothy’s great joys. Her love of singing began in school and continued throughout her life. She was a member of the St. Charles choir for more than 50 years, sharing her voice and love of music with her church community.
Dorothy was also an avid and accomplished bowler. She served as a league secretary for more than 50 years and was inducted into the USBC Association Hall of Fame in 2014. Through bowling, she found both a sense of accomplishment and many lasting friendships.
Dorothy is survived by her brother, John Schuerman; children, Ken (Trish Obenhein) Swanson, Sue (Corky) Dorn, Rick (Judy) Swanson, Pat (Deb) Swanson, Joe (Katie) Swanson, and Laurie (Dan) Jensen; grandchildren, Justin, Christopher, Joe, Jake, Angi, Nick, Joel, Lauren, Ryan, Christian, Jeremiah, Lucas, and Emily; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; extended family; and many dear friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman; her sons, Steve and Danny; her granddaughter, Amy; her parents, Frank and Katherine Schuerman; and many other beloved family members.
Dorothy will be remembered for her faith, generous spirit, strong work ethic, love of music, and devotion to family and community. She lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the many people she loved and the lives she touched.
The family finds comfort in knowing that after 74 years of marriage, Dorothy and Norm are together again. Their enduring love and the family they built will live on through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations to come.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Holton Manor and Aurora Hospice, as well as Patti and Karen, whose loving care and support allowed Dorothy to remain at home for as long as possible. Their compassion and kindness brought comfort to Dorothy and her family and will always be remembered with deep gratitude.
A joint memorial visitation will be held for Norman and Dorothy at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1540 Mill St., Lyons, from 10 until 11:45 a.m., with Mass to follow at Noon on Oct. 17, 2026. A time of fellowship will be held directly after Mass in St. Joseph’s Hall. Norman and Dorothy will be laid to eternal rest together at 3:30 p.m. at St. Charles Cemetery, 900 West State St., Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Charles Borromeo of Burlington or St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lyons in Norman and Dorothy’s memory.
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. For online condolences, please visit www.integrityfunerals.net.