Jean Swenson

Jean Irene Swenson, 96, a resident of Junction City, WI, formerly of Prentice, WI, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her daughters’ home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on July 3, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa, to parents John and Minnie Lighthall.

Jean married her high school sweetheart, Edward “Eddie” Swenson, on February 19, 1949. They were inseparable since their first date at the Junior Prom. For many years they lived on their farm in Prentice where they started their family. At 36 Jean received her teaching degree from Taylor County Teachers College. She had a teaching position in Eagle, during that time Eddie went back to school. Jean held a number of different jobs throughout her life. She was a farm wife, teacher, factory worker, secretary of the Marathon County Historical Museum, baker, real estate agent, CNA & the Best Mom Ever.

Jean and Eddie spent a lot of their time traveling with their children and later together across the US, England, Scotland, & Sweden. Their faith life was very important to Jean and Ed. They were very involved with their church wherever they lived. They became members of the Congregational Church of the Valley in AZ and were instrumental in planning and the building of the new church in Chandler, AZ. Together they travelled, enjoyed music, reading, crosswords, and making wood crafts together.

When her children were young until she was in her nineties, she was always at the piano calling her children around to sing. During her time in Athens, she was able to teach 3 of her great grandsons the piano.

She cared very much for others and showed it through her actions. She was instrumental in forming the first Crop Walk in Wausau. Jean loved spending time with others, always curious about their lives and learning more. Showing undeniable love and care for everyone.

She had the most wonderful smile, and an amazing sense of humor, which made everyone happy. Her faith was strong and was a large part of her life. Jean had a beautiful heart and was not only her children's mother, but their best friend.

Jean was preceded in death by the love of her life: Edward; granddaughter: Dawn Pomrening: her brothers: John Lighthall and Daryl Lighthall; sister-in-law: Betty Lighthall.

She is survived by her children: Karla (Jim) Lemmer, David (Gayle) Swenson, Charlotte (Ken) Albert, Kathi (Paul) Werner, Mary (Bruce) Heyl, Christine Owen; 13 grandchildren: Donna, Darwin Bruce, Emily, Anders, Ian, Terra, Josh, Sarah, John, Edward, Martha, Josephine, Samuel; 23 great grandchildren: Gregory, Christopher, Zacary, Spencer, Brock, Aaron, Andrew, Cole, Zinnia, Larken, Lauren, Jordan, Savannah, Paige, Declan, Zander, Maisy, Ethan, Tristan, Emily, Opal, Maeve, Svea; 2 great-great grandchildren: Alexis, Dixon; sister-in-law: Florence Lighthall; many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held October 17, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Junction City, WI, at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jean’s honor can be made to St. Jude’s, The Shriners, or The Navigators.