Alice Mae Swanson

Alice Mae Swanson age 74 of Deerwood died unexpectedly on July 27, 2018 at the Custer Regional Hospital in Custer, SD.  She was born on December 16, 1943 in Hutchinson to Theodore and Martha (Wendorff) Schlueter.  She married Donald Ray Swanson on October 19, 1963 in St. Paul.  Alice and Don lived in Roseville until 1966 when they moved to Crosby. After purchasing land in 1966 they move to Deerwood.  Alice raised their children while Don worked with his brother, Pete Swanson, building cabinets. In 1974 Don and Alice took over the cabinet shop and moved it to their property.  Together they built Deerwood Cabinets into a well-respected cabinet shop and as customers asked for more availability of items, the cabinet shop expanded into a lumberyard and became Deerwood Cabinet and Lumber, known today as Deerwood Lumber.  Don and Alice continued to work side by side in the business until their retirement.

Alice enjoyed her family and many friendship, reading, knitting, counted cross stich, flowers and birds.  She was frequently knitting hats, mittens and scarves for her grandchildren and to donate to local children.  She was a member of the local garden club for years and shared her love of flowers with family and friends.  After retirement Don and Alice began traveling and enjoyed many road trips across the United States.

Alice is survived by her husband, Don; one daughter, Teresa “Terry” Swanson of Deerwood; Granddaughter, Kayla (Tony) Luke of Aitkin; Grandson, Justin (Bobbie Halvorson) Ham of Deerwood; Great grandchildren, Corbin Luke, Dominic Luke and Sereniti Ham; one sister, Leona Heinecke of Motley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Alice in death are her parents; son, Timothy Swanson; two sisters, Margaret Tewes and Loretta Mackedanz; four brothers, Alvin, Marvin, Erwin and Milan Schlueter.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby. Burial will be at the Scandia Cemetery in Deerwood.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.