Nina L. Swanson

Nina was born on January 10, 1938, in Gladstone, the daughter of Fredrick and Violet (Olson) Malnar. She was raised in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School. Nina was united in marriage to Nels Swanson on September 14, 1957 and together they shared 62 years before Nels passed away in 2020.

Nina was an expert at crafting; especially sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She often would donate her crafts to hospice patients and she also sewed dresses to donate to migrant charities. She loved to gift her crafts to others. She also was a collector of stamps and coins. In her earlier years, she enjoyed being a 4-H leader. She was also an avid fan of the Michigan sports team, especially the Detroit Tigers. Nina and Nels enjoyed taking their children to watch Tigers games.

Nina is survived by her children, Teri (Jim) Carlson, Ted (Carol) Swanson, Tammy (Bob) Carlson, and Diane (Erik) Barnhart; siblings Fred “Chum” (Marlene) Malnar, Bonnie LaBelle, Sally (Joe) Patterson, and John Malnar; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nina was preceded in death by her husband Nels; parents Fredrick and Violet; son Dave Swanson; and grandson Brent Swanson.

The family would like to thank everyone at Cedar Hill Assisted Living for the great care they took of Nina and their whole family during her stay there.

A memorial service honoring Nina will be held on Monday, December 23 at the Covenant Church of Gladstone at 1 p.m. with Pastor Aaron Anderson officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Nina will be laid to rest next to her husband at Gardens of Rest Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Swanson family and online condolences may be left at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.