Dorothy E. Swanson

Deacon Dorothy E. Swanson, age 89, of Medina, formerly of Richfield, passed away in her sleep on Friday, May 29, 2026. Survived by daughter, Glorie (Brent) Balfanz; son, Jeff (Liz) Swanson; grandchildren, Brandon (Cassandra) Balfanz, Allison (Ryan) Bauman, Bryce (Amanda) Balfanz, Cole Swanson and Shayna Swanson; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Kailey and Lola.and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, Donald Swanson; parents, Nels Solheim and Bertha Gross Solheim; brothers, Bud and Robert, and sister, Gertrude. Dorothy graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1954. She married her high school sweetheart, Don, in 1956. They lived and raised their children in Richfield, MN. Dorothy was a lifelong learner; after her children became adults, she earned her Master's degree from Luther Seminary and was ordained. Her work life was primarily based in the church, especially at Woodlake Lutheran Church as Director of Outreach. Dorothy was also an active member and volunteer at Woodlake where she led youth groups, participated in Bible Studies and visitations to other church members. Dorothy was an avid golfer but her main passion was her family. She and Don owned a lake home on Garfield Lake in Laporte, MN where they were constantly surrounded by family members and friends.

Dorothy was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.