Pearl Joy Swanson

Pearl Joy Swanson, age 93, of Austin, Minnesota, formerly of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at The Cedars of Austin. Pearl was born August 26, 1930, in Britt, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Lola (Hepperly) Mattoon. She spent her childhood years in Britt, Iowa where she graduated from high school in 1948. Pearl married Norman Swanson on July 24, 1948, in Britt. Their union was blessed with five sons. Pearl was a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother. In her free time, she loved painting pictures, especially on porcelain. She also enjoyed flying with Norm to conventions for Flying Farmers of America and became Queen of Flying Farmers in Minnesota. Pearl’s sons were her pride and joy. 

Survivors include her sons, Randy (Carol) Swanson of Stewartville, Craig (Diane) Swanson of Ashland, Missouri, Jeff (Susan) Swanson of Hayfield, and Mike (Wendy) Swanson of Alexandria, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Marion (Jean-Luc) Bergevins of Gilbert, Arizona; 23 grandchildren; and 42 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lola Mattoon; husband, Norman Swanson; son, Kim Swanson; sister, Rita Arnie; and great-grandson, Alexander Jiggs West.

A funeral service for Pearl will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The visitation will take place from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, Minnesota. Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie, the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Croix Hospice, or The Cedars of Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home of Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.