Clara M. Swanson

Clara Mae Swanson, age 79, of Iron River, MI, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, MI. She was born February 14, 1935 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of the late John and Hilda (Hakala) Laine. She attended the Chicago, IL and the Caspian Schools. Clara married Kenton “Swanny” Swanson on November 17, 1951 in Stambaugh, and after moving to Florida for a time, they returned to the Iron River area to make their home. They celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary in 1982. Kenton preceded her in death on August 1, 1983. She was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Laturi's Nursing Home for 15 years, retiring in September of 2001. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and arts and crafts. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald, Warren, and Ralph Laine and infant brother, James; sisters, Delores “Babe” Tapio, and Dorothy Makela; sons-in-law, Dan DeCloux, and Tom Haner. Clara is survived by her son, Kenton "Mark" Swanson of Crystal Falls; daughters, Patti DeCloux of Caspian, Sherre (Bob) Chmielewski of Iron River, Toni Haner of Florida, and Jodi (Gary) Vedder of Florida; brothers, Delano “Duke” Laine of Minnesota, and Richard “Butch” Makela of Kingsford, MI; sisters, Gerri Karczewski of Chicago, IL, and Betty Nordstrom of Iron River; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandson; nieces, nephews, and extended family. Private family services will be held. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clara M. Swanson, please visit our flower store.