Darlene M. Swanlund

Darlene M. Swanlund 1918-2012 Mrs. Darlene (Raker) Swanlund, 93, passed from this world on Monday, March 26, 2012, at Walnut Manor Nursing Home, in Walnut, IL. She was born on April 30, 1918, to Clarence and Maud (Thulean) Raker of rural Princeton. She attended the one-room Sisler School in the early years and graduated from Wyanet High School in 1935. On November 14, 1937, she married her grade school boyfriend and lifelong sweetheart, Elburn R. Swanlund. They celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2008. They were neighbors since she was born. Darlene and Elburn farmed together in the Malden and Princeton areas of Bureau County until their retirement. She also had some part-time employment at a dress factory in Princeton (before marriage), and at Perry Memorial Hospital, Lange’s Studio, and Dunbar’s, all in Princeton. She was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Princeton. Darlene was a devoted wife and mother and a beautiful role model, adored by many generations of children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends and neighbors. She is survived by two daughters: Patricia ( Joe) Peterson of La Moille and Mary L. S. Woodley of Princeton; one sister, Gertrude (Harold) Eckberg of Walnut; and grandchildren: Paul (Kathleen) Swanlund, Dan (Tammy) Swanlund, Stephanie Cartwright, Stephen (Amy) Peterson, and Clark (Joan) Simpson, all of Princeton, Amanda (Mark) Varland of Marseilles, Tony (Kelly) Stonecypher of Aurora, Missouri, Rhea (Aaron) Bender of Rudd, Iowa, Rhonda (John) Brougher of Floyd, Iowa, and John (Karen) Stonecypher of Westminster, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lyle (Margaret) Raker; her son, Richard, in 2007; and her husband in 2009. The funeral for Darlene Swanlund will be held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Princeton, on Saturday, March 31, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jeffery Schlesinger and Rev. Ronald Eckberg officiating. Burial will follow the service in Elm Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorials may be directed to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

Darlene M. Swanlund

April 30, 1918 - March 26, 2012