Sunbeam Pauline Swanson

1933 - 2024

Sunbeam Pauline Swanson

February 9, 1933 - July 29, 2024

Sunbeam Pauline Swanson, formerly of Arnold, passed away in her sleep on July 29, 2024, in her independent living apartment in Lincoln, at the age of 91 years, 5 months and 20 days.

Sunbeam was born on Feb. 9, 1933, in her parents' home in Elim Valley south of Arnold, to Harry and Lettie Oman. When she was a little girl, Sunbeam's parents bought nearby farmland and built a home on the edge of Tallin Table. Sunbeam attended the Tallin Country School, graduated from Arnold High School in 1950, attended Grace College of the Bible for the next school year, and taught at the Tallin Country School the following school year.

On June 4, 1952, Sunbeam married Don Swanson. Don died on June 1, 2024, three days before their 72nd wedding anniversary. To this union, two children were born, Pauline and Donald Lee. They made their home north of Cozad until Don was drafted into the Army and sent to Germany. Sunbeam and the children joined him there for 17 months. When Don was discharged from the Army, they returned to their home north of Cozad. In 1959 they built a new home south of Arnold, where they lived for the next 60 years.

Sunbeam received Christ as her personal Savior as a young girl. She attended the Tallin Church and as a teenager was part of the young people's singing group known as the Crusaders. As an adult, she taught children's and young people's Sunday School classes. She and Don attended the Morning Star Church while living north of Cozad and then Tallin Church after moving south of Arnold. Sunbeam was the organist at Tallin Church for 50 years.

Sunbeam was busy as a mother and homemaker. In 1975, Sunbeam started a business out of their home installing window treatments in homes and businesses like banks, nursing homes and hospitals. Sunbeam continued that business for 38 years. Don was busy with his cattle and farming but took the time to help Sunbeam with her window treatment business.

Nothing gave Don and Sunbeam more joy than their family. Pauline married Duane Norman and Donald Lee married Marilyn Landis. They blessed Don and Sunbeam with five grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Their family always found the time to be together. Each one was very special to Don and Sunbeam.

Besides seeing family and getting together with friends, Don and Sunbeam enjoyed traveling. Over their married life, they took 19 tours in the United States and overseas. Their last tour was to Israel, which they always said was the best tour they took. It was so meaningful to walk where Jesus walked and to be baptized in the Jordan where Jesus was baptized.

Sunbeam was preceded in death by her husband, Don Swanson; her parents, Harry and Lettie Oman; father- and mother-in-law, Carl and Ruth Swanson; and brother-in-law, Russell Brodhead.

Sunbeam's survivors include her daughter, Pauline (Duane) Norman; son, Donald Lee (Marilyn) Swanson; grandchildren, Janelle (Jon) Weitzenkamp, Jonathan (Desirae) Norman, Jamie (David) Watson, Justin (Mandy) Swanson and Grant (Connor) Showalter-Swanson; 16 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Frances Brodhead.

Memorials are suggested to the Tallin Church, 41196 NE-40, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

Funeral is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Tallin Church located on Hwy 40, 11 miles south and 2.1 miles east of Arnold. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 5200 R Street, Lincoln, which is in charge of arrangements.