Shirley Ann Swanson, daughter of Roy Edward & Hilda (Kristensen) Zinke, was born on July 17th, 1942 & died October 8th, 2025, at the age of 83 at Friendship Home in Audubon, IA.
Shirley was baptized & confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Audubon Iowa. She graduated from Audubon High School with the class of 1961. On March 2nd, 1963, she was united in marriage to Ron Swanson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. To this union, two children were born: Robin Renee & Lori Linn.
Shirley was employed as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone in Audubon prior to marriage. She then worked at Jumbo Jacks Cookbooks for 29 years, becoming the cookbook division supervisor.
Shirley & Ron farmed in Audubon County for 62 years. Shirley was very involved in the family farm. She milked cows, helped with field work, hay production, and raised calves. She kept busy canning and freezing produce she grew in her large garden, sewing, quilting, cooking, & baking.
Shirley was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who will be greatly missed.
Shirley was preceded in death by parents Roy & Hilda Zinke, sister Lois Hilsabeck, sister-in-law Sheryl Zinke, & daughter Robin Kilgore.
Survivors include her loving husband of 62 years Ron Swanson, brother Rich Zinke, son-in-law David Kilgore, daughter Lori Groteluschen & son-in law-Paul Groteluschen, grandchildren Aaron Kilgore (wife Brittany), Austin Kilgore, Hunter Groteluschen, & Peyton Groteluschen, & many other family members & friends.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon, IA, with Pastor Jason Zaiger officiating the service. Committal will take place at Arlington Heights Cemetery in Audubon, IA. A luncheon will be held following the interment at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Hall in Audubon.
Public visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the funeral home in Audubon.
Memorials may be directed to the Friendship Home in memory of Shirley. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon.
