Irene Swedzinski

Irene Katherine (Lanners) Swedzinski was born December 10, 1922, in Omro Township near St. Leo to John and Catherine (Nosbusch) Lanners. Irene attended St. Leo Catholic School and Canby High School for four years graduating in 1941. Irene was employed at St. Leo Bank and Marquette National Bank in Minneapolis until her marriage. She was united in marriage to Raymond John Swedzinski on July 12, 1945 at St. Leo Catholic Church. Ray and Irene farmed in the Taunton area and resided in Taunton since 1966. After many years as a homemaker, Irene worked at Berguth Insurance Company in Minneota and then at the Minneota Mascot. Irene was a member of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and the Council of Catholic Women. She was active in the Catholic Aid Society and served as fraternal secretary for twenty-six years. She thoroughly enjoyed working with other members of the society in planning social and fundraising events for the benefit of both adults and children. Irene was a founding member of the Taunton Legion Auxiliary and was involved in numerous community service activities. Irene spent many hours sewing clothes for herself and her three daughters often making an outfit for each for a specific occasion. She always had a garden and would preserve fruits and vegetables for the rest of the year. Irene enjoyed visiting with family and friends and a major social event was playing bridge. She was a member of the local bridge club and often joined friends in playing at country clubs in the area. Ray and Irene enjoyed traveling and spent a lot of time visiting their daughters in California. They also traveled to numerous states to attend Ray’s World War II reunions. A significant trip for both was a month long trip to France to retrace the steps of Ray’s crew when rescued by the French Resistance during the war. Irene continued to travel until the last couple of years. Irene is survived by her children Terrence of Chaska, Sandra Lawrence of Palm Desert, CA, Nancy (Charles) Veilleux of Roseville, CA, and Karen Rae of Taunton; two step-grandchildren David and Cindy Veilleux and siblings Leo Lanners of Marshall, Agnes Martinson of Maplewood and Vivian Gregoire of Marshall. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ray; and three brothers Alvin, Gilbert and Roger. A contribution from memorials will be made to the Catholic Aid Scholarship program. Condolences may be sent to www.rehkamp-horvath.com.