Leona R. Swanson, of Antigo, died Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 93 years old. She was born on September 18, 1923 in Ethan, South Dakota a daughter of the late Maurice and Nettie (Gruber) Root. She married Russell Swanson on November 8, 1941 in Kahoka, MO. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1995.

She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church.

Leona was an artist and showed her talents in many ways including; floral design, cake making and decorating, pottery, drawing and painting. She was a also a seamstress and enjoyed quilting, needlework, knitting, crocheting and tatting. She studied piano and was an avid reader.

She had a love of nature and her family.

Survivors include three daughters, Karen (Tom) Koch of Rosendale, Christine (Wally) Schoen of Aniwa and Stephanie (Mark) Schroeder of Gleason; a son, Terry (Sandra) Swanson of Antigo; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister, Alma Harter; and two half sisters, Inavon Brandow and Mary.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church with Reverend Karen Tews officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Langlade Hospital and LeRoyer Hospice and to Reverend Karen Tews for the care they provided to Leona.

Services