Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gloria Swanson Obituary
Gloria passed away peacefully at home with her family nearby on Tuesday evening, June 30, 2020.
Gloria Jean was born to Milo and Selma Spilseth, the grandchildren of Scandinavian immigrants on Nov. 10, 1929, in Kensington, Minnesota. They told stories of the Kensington Runestone, found on a neighboring farm to her father and used as a barn step, before being given to a museum as evidence of Scandinavian nomads exploring that same area centuries before.
Gloria's family always believed in a strong education. Gloria became a registered nurse before marrying 'Kay' Swanson, a doctor intern. They moved to Columbus, Montana, Kay's hometown, and started a practice and a family. Gloria lived in the Columbus area for most of the rest of her life. She was an active bridge player, church organist, mountain climber, and world traveler.
She is survived by sisters-in-law, Virginia Spilseth, Pam Spilseth, and Maxey Megrue; sons, Rand, Mark and Scott; favorite nephews Tom and Andy Wolfe, grandchildren Nash, Logan, Randi Kay, and Wiley; and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews from her Minnesota roots.
Gloria will be buried at Solem Lutheran Church, near Kensington, Minnesota, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, with her parents, and her younger brother, George. Her older brother Sidney was buried with military honors in St. Louis.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Gloria Swanson's name
How to support Gloria's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gloria Swanson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
