Ardyce Swanson

Ardyce F. Swanson, 96, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Friday, September 11, 2020, at Friendship Haven. A private memorial service will be held for Ardy.

Ardyce Florine Swanson was born July 22, 1924, in Harcourt, IA, the daughter of John Wesley and Frances Amelia (Gustafson) Swanson. She preferred to go by the nickname “Ardy”. She graduated from Harcourt High School in 1942, where she was a star basketball player. She continued her education at Tobin Business – Iowa Central. Ardy worked in Des Moines for 3 years at Standard Oil and shared an apartment with her sister, Lucille. Later, she went to work for Dr. Egbert as a secretary for 30 years. In 1983, she moved to Friendship Haven as a full-time house coordinator.

Ardy enjoyed reading, gardening, listening to music and sports radio, keeping up with her extended family, volunteering at her church and the Ft. Dodge Historical Foundation. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wa Tan Ye, Friends – Library, TWCA and the Fort Dodge Historical Foundation.

Ardyce is survived by her sister: Lucille Lang of Des Moines, IA.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She especially appreciated those who live in the area who were able to visit frequently and spend quality time with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister: Pauline (Pat) Bowlsby Borg; brother: Dwight W. Swanson and his wives Carol Swanson and Marilyn Swanson; sister and brothers-in-law: Wallace Lang, Dick Bowlsby and Jack Borg.

The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers. Suggested donations to Ft. Dodge First United Methodist Church, Ft. Dodge Symphony and Ft. Dodge Historical Foundation.