Vera Louise Swanson, 92, of Owatonna, died Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Traditions II. She was born April 8, 1924 in Jamestown, NY the daughter of Eric and Ellen (Berg) Carlson. Vera graduated from Jamestown High School where she was involved with and enjoyed theatre. Following high school, she moved to Minneapolis to study at the Lutheran Bible Institute. After studying at the Institute, she worked at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she met Heimer Swanson. Vera married Heimer June 7, 1950 in Minneapolis. The couple lived in Lake Benton and Pipestone for many years. She volunteered as a parish worker while living in both communities. Vera was a member of First Lutheran Church in Pipestone and later a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Owatonna. She was very tender hearted. She knit dozens of mittens for kids that couldn't afford them, custom designed and sewed quilts for high school seniors leaving for college, and baked hundreds of tea rings and other baked goods for her church bake sales; this brought her deep joy. She is survived by son, Richard (and Cheryl) Swanson of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Marcia (and Mark) Anderson of Owatonna; grandchildren, Eric (and Alyson) Swanson, Ryan (and Heather) Swanson, Meghan Swanson, Zach Swanson, Karin Anderson, Kjerstin Anderson; great grandchildren, Cadence Swanson, Brooklyn Swanson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Heimer Swanson; daughters, Kathryn Swanson, Cynthia Leirdahl; sister, Sal Engelbrekt. Visitation will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Friday from 9:30am to 10:30am. Memorial services will be held Friday, August 12, 2016 at 10:30am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with the Reverend Lauren Baske Davis officiating. Memorials are preferred to ALS Association of Minnesota. Visitation: 08/12/2016 09:30 08/12/2016 10:30 Service: 08/12/2016 10:30