Swanson, Gloria Jean
Age 74 of Rosemount, died on April 26, 2021. Preceded in death by her parents, Gussie & Babe Swanson of Lake Bronson, MN; and sisters, Darlynn Joy Ellingson and Sharon Lee Lindstrom. Survived by her husband, Rev. Don Knudson; stepdaughters, Karla (Jeff) Wiegrefe and Kristin (Adrian) Gaytan; 21 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Bruce) Engstrom; aunt, Leatrice Cooper; 11 nieces, nephews and their families; cousins, friends and colleagues. Gloria is a graduate of Bemidji State University, the University of MN, Geriatric Pastoral Care Institute at Luther Seminary, and the Fairview Clinical Pastoral Education Center. As a Geriatric Pastoral Care and Grief Specialist, her ministry with senior adults, their families and churches throughout the U.S.A. and world-wide was extraordinary. For over 16 years, she served as the Minister of Vital Aging at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville where she developed a wholistic ministry with, by, and through older disciples. Gloria worked tirelessly as an advocate for those experiencing health challenges and social injustice. She mentored seminary, university, and chaplaincy students and was on the Patient Advisory Council for Fairview Ridges Hospital and the Fairview Rosemount Clinic. Gloria was a radiant spirit, whose intelligence, courage, empathy, compassion, creativity and hospitality will be missed by many. Memorial Service at 11am on Mon., May 3, 2021 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Dr., Burnsville. Gloria has donated her body to the University of MN for medical research. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Don Knudson/Gloria Swanson Permanent Endowment Fund for Spiritual Care, Ebenezer Foundation, 7505 Metro Boulevard Suite 100, Edina, MN 55439.