Dorothy M. (Gausmann) Swenson

Swenson, Dorothy M. (Gausmann) COTTAGE GROVE-Dorothy M. (Gausmann) Swenson, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. She was born on July 15, 1926, in Deerfield, the daughter of Stanley D. and Mabel (Brictson) Chandler. Dorothy graduated from Madison East High School with the class of 1944. She was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Earl T. Gausmann on March 17, 1946. Together they farmed in the Cottage Grove area for more than 40 years, and enjoyed polka music and dances. Earl preceded her in death in 1985. Dorothy was a wonderful mother and loved living on the farm. She was a talented baker and made many wedding cakes over the years. In 1987, Dorothy was united in marriage to Olaf Swenson. Together they enjoyed traveling and were able to visit many wonderful places. Olaf preceded her in death in 2004. Most recently, Dorothy had two memorable trips, to Norway and with her children to Virginia, to attend a granddaughters wedding. She was a lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church, and also very active with TOPS, where she made many lasting friendships. Dorothy is survived by her children, Richard (Debra) Gausmann of Yorktown, Va., Robert (Andrea) Gausmann of Stoughton, Marjorie Syoen of Yorkville, Ill., Donna Niesen of Mount Horeb, Roger (Ann) Gausmann of LaCrosse and Larry (Deborah) Gausmann of Cottage Grove; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Norma Thrun, Joyce Watson, Joyce Gausmann and Judi Chandler; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brothers, Stanley D. Chandler Jr. and in infancy, William A. Chandler; brothers-in-law, Alvin Thrun, Kenneth Gausmann, Rollin Gausmann and Phillip Gausmann; sister-in-law, Betty Gausmann; and son-in-law, Jerry Niesen. Funeral services will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2010, with the Rev. Chris Lee Thompson and the Rev. Sylvia Lee Thompson presiding. Burial will follow at Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2010. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., American Cancer Society, or charity of the donors choice. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., American Cancer Society, or charity of the donors choice. Cemetery: Burial will follow at Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2010. Service: Funeral services will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2010, with the Rev. Chris Lee Thompson and the Rev. Sylvia Lee Thompson presiding.