June Swanson

June was born on May 22, 1933, in Edwards Township, Kandiyohi County, near Raymond, Minnesota,, the daughter of John and Johanna Plowman. She was baptized at Bunde Christian Reformed Church and grew up in the Clara City area. She attended school in Clara City and graduated with her GED Degree. On May 22, 1951, June was united in marriage to Harold Swanson at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. They made their home in Clara City, at which time June became an active and faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. June and Harold operated Harold's Café in Clara City for 5 1/2 years, when Harold became employed by the Clara City Post Office. When Harold began working at the Post Office the restaurant was sold. June began work at Citizen's State Bank until their son David Eugene's birth in 1965, when she focused on being a full time mother. When David entered school, June resumed her working career at Clara City State Bank. She worked there for a number of years and became active in the Clara City Community. Eventually, June began working for the City of Clara City as the Nursing Home Bookkeeper, advancing to the position of Deputy Clerk and finally that of City Clerk/Administrator for 14 years, following the retirement of Virgil Henning. During this period, June was asked by several council members to assume the responsibilities of Nursing Home Administrator until a replacement could be found. Once the Minnesota State Department of Health authorized her temporary position, she served in that capacity for 6 months and then resumed her official city duties, retiring in 1998. June then ran for a vacated City Council seat and was elected. During her council service, she was asked to fill in as Mayor Pro-Tem following the mayor's resignation and acceptance of employment out-state.Soon, June's declining health and the onset of migraine headaches and strokes, forced her to resign. In the following years up to the time of her death, June was plagued by numerous brain bleeds which eventually led to a massive cerebral hemorrhage. On December 28, 2010, at the age of 77 years, at Rice Memorial Hospital, June passed into life everlasting with her Lord and Savior.In spite of the handicaps she endured in her adult life, she undertook many challenges. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary., served as president four times and sat on numerous committees. She received her 50 year membership award in November 2006. She also served as MN 7ththDistrict Auxiliary President, State Auxiliary Membership Chairperson and was a Girl State advisor for 3 years. June served Clara City as its ?Soy Bean Days? Chairperson, (now Prairie Fest Days), and was chosen Prairie Fest Grand Marshall in 2004. Her ?For God & Country? commitment also had her serving 6 years on the Chippewa County Family Service Board, Sunday school teacher, Endowment Committee member, Treasurer at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Cub Scout Den Mother.With all of her successes, June was most proud and thrilled to be a loving mother to her son and daughter-in-law and grandmother to her grandson. June was a perfect example of the Bible's account of Jesus? teaching and the hymn which recounts- ?I've got a light and I'm going to let it shine.? Don't hide your light under a basket; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!June leaves to mourn her husband Harold, her son David and his wife Brenda, her grandson Christian; also her brother Russell (and Donna) Plowman, her sisters Ruby Swanson and Eunice (and Daryl) Johnson and their families, along with many cousins and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Delores Bergjack and her husband Charles, and two brothers-in-law: Adrian Swanson and Ervin Swanson.