Katherine Ann (Riley) Swanson

Katherine Ann (Riley) Swanson, 84, of Durand, WI passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Kathy was born October 24, 1938 in Durand, WI. She was the daughter of James and Alice (Keefe) Riley. She grew up in Durand, and graduated from Lima High School. On April 22, 1957, she married the love of her life, Bennie Swanson.

Kathy started working at the young age of 12 at a local restaurant. As an adult, she pursued a career in real estate, during which she obtained her own real estate license. She worked at Heit Realty in Durand for over 47 years. After her retirement, she helped set up the Pepin County Senior Center office and worked there for over 10 years, where she later enjoyed playing Farkel with her friends.

Kathy was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She loved spending her time as a member of the Dandy Dollies Red Hats, Pepin County Council of Senior Citizens Board of Directors, the Woman’s Club, Optimist Club and Pepin County Historical Society. She also volunteered for several years at the Durand Food Pantry.
Kathy loved traveling, particularly to Ireland, as she was very proud of her Irish heritage. She enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles when she wasn’t busy spending time with her grandchildren. She adored her family and friends, and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Linda) Swanson of Durand and Amy (Kevin) Everson of Mondovi; grandchildren, Tyler (Terri, Kaelyn, Lauren, Paityn and great grandson Benjamin [Benji]), Chelsey (Scott), Maria, Alyssa (Bradley), Kaitlyn (Jacob), Abbey, Karley (Preston); siblings, Patricia Weisman of Woodbury, Patrick Riley of Clarksville, Anthony Riley of Miniola, Terrance (Ginger) Riley of Menomonie, Michael (Marjorie) Riley of Bay City; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends (especially Chris).

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Swanson; parents, James and Alice (Keefe) Riley; siblings, infant sister Mary Riley, Alice Riley, Edna La Pean and James Riley; brother-in-laws Bruce La Pean and Richard Weisman.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery at a later date. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com.

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