Gloria Jean Swanson, 74

Gloria Jean Swanson, 74, of Rosemount, Minn., died on April 26, 2021.
Gloria is a graduate of Bemidji State University, the University of Minnesota, Geriatric Pastoral Care Institute at Luther Seminary, and the Fairview Clinical Pastoral Education Center. As a Geriatric Pastoral Care and Grief Specialist, her ministry with senior adults, their families and churches throughout the U.S. and worldwide was extraordinary.
For over 16 years, she served as the Minister of Vital Aging at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minn., where she developed a wholistic ministry with, by and through older disciples.
Gloria worked tirelessly as an advocate for those experiencing health challenges and social injustice. She mentored seminary, university and chaplaincy students, and was on the Patient Advisory Council for Fairview Ridges Hospital and the Fairview Rosemount Clinic.
Gloria was a radiant spirit, whose intelligence, courage, empathy, compassion, creativity and hospitality will be missed by many.
She is survived by: her husband, Rev. Don Knudson; step-daughters, Karla (Jeff) Wiegrefe and Kristin (Adrian) Gaytan; 21 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Bruce) Engstrom; aunt, Leatrice Cooper; 11 nieces, nephews and their families; cousins, friends and colleagues.
Preceded in death by: her parents, Gussie and Babe Swanson of Lake Bronson, Minn.; and sisters, Darlynn Joy Ellingson and Sharon Lee Lindstrom.
Memorial service was at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville.
Gloria has donated her body to the University of Minnesota for medical research. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Don Knudson/Gloria Swanson Permanent Endowment Fund for Spiritual Care, Ebenezer Foundation, 7505 Metro Boulevard Suite 100, Edina, MN 55439.
Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in charge of arranagements. www.henrywanderson.com.