Emma Dorothy Swezey
July 03, 1917 - August 26, 2004
Emma Dorothy Swezey was born on July 3rd, 1917 to parents Cornelius and Mollie (Jensen) Howen in Ortonville, MN. Emma grew up on the family homestead north of Ortonville. She attended country school in District #34 and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1936. Emma then attended one year of Normal Teacher Training in Ortonville. She began teaching country school in 1937 and continued until 1945. During all her schooling, Emma lived on the homestead.
On August 22, 1957, Emma was united in marriage to Ervin Swezey in Clinton, MN. Together they lived on Emma's homestead until they bought the Eastside Grocery "The Little Store" in 1970, and operated it for many years. They remodeled the store and made it their home.
Ervin died in August of 1991. In July of 1997, Emma moved into the Lakeside Apartments where she lived until entering the Northridge Residence in December of 2003.
Emma enjoyed, crocheting, knitting, and playing Whist and Bridge. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church since 1970, and was chairman of the ladies groups. Emma was a past member of the Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton, MN. Emma was active with the Ortonville Senior Center spending many hours playing cards.
Survivors include two daughters, Suzanne (Brad) Schmidt of West Fargo, ND and Bonnie (Earl) McDaniel of Madison, SD; two brothers, Alvin Henry Howen of Clinton, MN and Marvin (Gladys) Howen of Dawson, MN; three grandchildren, Erik, John, and Sarah Schmidt; and several nieces and nephews.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Mollie; her husband, Ervin; one brother Elmer; and two sisters, Etta and Lillian.