Kathryn Mae Swanson

Kathryn Mae Swanson

Cedar Rapids

Kathryn Mae Swanson passed from this life on July 16, 2025.

She was born in Mason City, Iowa on September 7, 1936, to Carl and Edna Ashland, joining siblings Kenny, Lloyd and Linda, all who preceded her in death.

Kathryn met Larry Swanson at the famous Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. She joked that when he asked her out multiple times, she finally relented so he would stop asking! They were married on October 16, 1960. Due to Larry’s job, they relocated to Muscatine and then to Cedar Rapids, where they raised their family. Larry preceded her in death in May 2022.

Kathryn enjoyed collecting statues of cardinals, watching Westerns, and gardening. She always had something to say, or an opinion to give. She was a longtime Willie Nelson fan.

Surviving family includes children, Dave (Sandi) Swanson, Kris (Tom) McDermott, Jim (Brenda) Swanson, and Lee (Stacy) Swanson; grandchildren, Caden, Mallory (Jake), Kelby, Alyssa, Clare, Cael, Brynn and Easton; step-granddaughter, Tiffany (Brian) Jergenson; and step-great-grandchildren, Gwenyth and Camden.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at Murdoch Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Service will follow at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

Please share a memory of Kathryn at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.