Marie Kathleen Swenson

CROSS PLAINS-Marie K. Swenson, age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 30, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 16, 1952, in Madison, the daughter of Peter Hellenbrand and Rosemary and Gene Garfoot. A graduate of Middleton High School, Marie earned her Associate of Liberal Arts degree from MATC in 1999. Marie was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was employed with the state of Wisconsin for over 17 years as a food service manager. In 1986, she won Outstanding Young Woman of America and was also an active member of the Dodgeville Jaycettes. She had a variety of interests including sewing, crafting and gardening, but what she truly treasured most was the time spent with her family. Marie celebrated 26 years of sobriety and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. Marie was mother, father and friend to her children, and leaves her family with her legacy of faith, family and forgiveness. She was a selfless servant of God. Marie is survived by her five children, Tina (Pat) Brown and their children, Amber (Ian Nelson), Jeremy and Spencer; Melissa (Eric) Spangler and son, Tyler Arthur; Angela (Steve) Schmit and their son Cayden; Michael Swenson and David (Angie) Swenson; three great grandchildren, Bryant Kliefgen, Logan and Brooklyn Nelson, many nieces, nephews and her Godchildren, Stefny Kolesikov, Mindy Grant and Cody Peterson. She is further survived by her brothers and sisters, Daniel “Helm” (Debbie) Hellenbrand, William “Willy” (Marilyn) Hellenbrand, Jane “Jaynee”(Bruce) Bowden, Vincent “Smiley” Hellenbrand, Paul “Paulie” (Patti) Hellenbrand and Lois “Lowey” (Vernon “Butch”) Boehnen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Hellenbrand, Rosemary (Gene) Garfoot; her Godfather, Joseph Dahmen and special friend, Rick Whalen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, with Father Stephen Umhoefer presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church and also on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Marie was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Sister John Rose Acker and Father Stephen Umhoefer for their spiritual support. Cemetery: Burial will follow in the church cemetery Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church and also on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, with Father Stephen Umhoefer presiding.