Obituary of Joan Frehse Swanson

Joan Swanson passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023 at the age of 89.  Joan was born in Chicago on September 3, 1933.  She married Wally Swanson on September 5, 1953.

They resided in the Chicago area and suburbs until 1971 when Wally was transferred to a Denver office.  Colorado was always a place Joan wanted to live.

Joan received her teaching degree/certificate from Elmhurst College in 1968.  She taught 3 years in Illinois before moving to Colorado where she taught 22 years in the Adams 12 school district.

After retiring, Joan filled her time with many activities. She and Wally had many travels to various destinations in the world.  They particularly loved Greece.  She loved gardening – and was always creating new gardens in her yard.  She volunteered at the Denver Zoo as a docent.  She loved the primates!  She needed more – so she pursued and achieved her Masters of Divinity.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wally and sister Gloria.  She is survived by her son Charlie and wife Lynn, daughter Kathryn and husband Bob; granddaughters Shannon (Sam Morado), Erica (Miles McManus) and Haley Swanson; great grandchildren Kathryn Piper, Philip, James and Lupe Morado, and Anna McManus (on the way!).

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial Service will be on April 29^th at 1:30pm:

Good Shepherd Church

8545 E Dry Creek Rd

Centennial, CO

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.