Lorraine Elizabeth (Halverson) Swalheim

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A POEM FOR MOM For Lorraine Elizabeth (Halverson) Swalheim January 8, 1924 – July 9, 2013 Time with our mom before her death Listening and watching for her last breath. Our family treasured moments galore As Mom soaked up our love more and more. Mom had such good timing. I was impressed; there was no whining. Peggy and I sang her many church songs And sometimes she even sang along. Loving Mom with all our devotion Was not totally void of emotion. Love’s not a feeling but a decision Avoiding at all costs any derision. Kate cared for Mom for several years Which alleviated all our fears. She didn’t want to live in a nursing home But always to stay in her very own home. If it weren’t for help from hospice care, Keeping Mom home we wouldn’t dare. With appreciation to Agrace, All memorials will go to their place. Full of constant gratitude Was always Mom’s attitude. Confined to her hospital bed, When asked “How are you?” she said, “I can’t say I’m good But I’ve got it good.” This is the way life should be. Wouldn’t you all agree? To live with a grateful heart Not knowing when from this life we’ll part. Life is meant for joy and love Until we look down from up above. We know what the future has in store. Mom will be waiting for us at Heaven’s door. Mom got weaker and weaker each day As angels helped her find her way Loved ones in heaven waited with open arms All those who had left their family farms. Yes, Mom was a farmer’s wife. For many years, it was her way of life. Starting in McFarland where she was born On a cold 1924 January 8th morn… Until in her sixties when Percy died. Too young to die, we all cried and cried. Forty-five years of life together Experiencing rain and drought— all kinds of weather It was 1940 at an Edwards Park dance Where Dad loved our mom at very first glance. They never criticized each other, or argued. No drama between them, no conflicts, no feuds. Raising five children, she worked very hard In the house, barn, fields, and yard. Other dreams she had to forsake To raise chickens, make lefse, and bake many cakes. Every year I called Mom on May seven To honor my baby brother in Heaven. Full-term and beautiful was he. For Dean Phillip a long life was not to be. Five children and seven grandchildren all agree Their love for her will forever be. Three great grandchildren she got to see Filling out her loving family tree. Our mom was naturally a cheerful one Quick-witted with one-liners, she was really fun. If silliness is a form of art, Perfecting it, she played her part. With Dad and their many friends They played cards together, Traveled to Door County and wherever. Dad took Mom to Hawaii, Boston, and even Jamaica on a cruise But you can bet their bottom dollar they never drank booze! Mom enjoyed seed-corn trips and hauling pigs. Can you imagine Mom driving a Pick-Up, really big?! To Carolina as well as all over the Midwest A good sport, our Mom was the best! Hattie and Mom loved their fall colorama trips. Never a harsh word crossed their lips. Enjoying miles of colorful trees, Their giggles floated on the autumn breeze. For nine decades these loving sisters dear Never fought, criticized or fed a fear. They laughed together with love so real. And now they’re together again, I feel. When asked what she hoped her legacy would be, Mom emphatically said, “Honesty!” And lying there on her deathbed, “No chapped lips!” she also said. Loving Mom/Grandma/friend good-bye, We all avoided asking “Why?” Respecting her journey to her last day, May she always know she is very loved, we pray. Whenever we think of our mother now Of times long past, recently, or now, We’ll always remember her in love As she’s now at peace in Heaven above. Loved by all, Cleone and Bob Reed Cleone’s son Paul Jermstad, his wife Dawn and their son Owen Duane and Candy Swalheim Kate Rakini Kate’s daughter Willow MacQuaid and her partner Greg Hipwood Dennis and Kris Swalheim Their sons Derek, Evan, and Chad Swalheim, Chad’s wife Michelle and their children Clara and Lucas Peggy Leah Peggy’s daughter Emily Sivesind-Finger and her husband Jared Finger Peggy’s son Kane Sivesind and his wife Rani

Please feel free to call on me if any of you need ANYTHING! There are no words to comfort you right now - only time can do that. Just know that you all are being thought of during this difficult time. She was and is a great lady, and will be sorely missed by many!

I just wanted to tell Cleone how absolutely beautiful that poem was!!! It hit home in so many ways - remembering certain things after you had brought it up. Fun times with your mom, to the movies in Stoughton to the Cinema where you could eat while you watched the movie. And your mom would always pay for the food and probably the tickets too!!!! She was an incredibly generous woman. And we always laughed...laughed at everything and anything. She was a HOOT!!!! She will be missed by many! Especially her smile. God Bless you Lorraine, the gates are open for you to go in and be with Hattie and your Percy.

I'd like to thank publicly, Kate and the Hospice team that took care of Lorraine for so many months - if not years. She was taken care of very well by Kate first of all, and then finally by Hospice who made Lorraine very comfortable right up until the end of her life here on earth. And to all the relatives that sat vigil with Lorraine until she was called to join everyone at the pearly gates!!! That must have been difficult. I know it was with my mom. Peace be with all of you!

Lorraine was a really nice lady. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you. Dave & Susie Jones