Shirley Swenson

Shirley Swenson, 95, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Friday, February 5, 2021, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha, NE. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 S 9th Street – Fort Dodge, with Pastor Dan Kahl officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the church service. Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Services will also be live streamed via the Historic Bruce Funeral Home Facebook page and the Grace Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Shirley Mae was born October 4, 1925, in Joliet, IL, the daughter of Harry O. and Ruby (Sartin) Vesey. On June 16, 1951, she was united in marriage to Walter S. Swenson in Fort Dodge, where the couple made their home. Shirley worked as a waitress in both the Warden and Wahkonsa Hotels in Fort Dodge and later as head waitress at the Elks Club. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed swimming, camping, bird watching, animals, bus tours, day trips with her daughter, and watching TV – especially “Murder She Wrote”, Turner Classic Movies and Game Shows (Wheel of Fortune). She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and her favorite pastime was playing BINGO.

Shirley is survived by her daughter: Cindy Arndt and husband Dale of Omaha; honorary daughter: Donna Whitehill and husband James of Fort Dodge; 4 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1994; daughter: Sharon Francisco; great grandson:  Carter Francisco; and brother: James Vesey.