Joan Swanson

Joan Ardith (Fosse) Swanson, age 93 of Forest City, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society in Forest City, lowa.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, IA, with Pastor Zech Anderson officiating. There will also be a gathering of friends and family beginning at 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church on Saturday.

Private family burial of cremains will take place in Pilot Knob Lutheran Church cemetery, rural Forest City.

Schott Funeral Homes in Forest City is assisting the family.

Joan Swanson was born September 12, 1932, in Forest City, IA to Bertha (Johnson) Fosse and Harry Fosse. She attended school at Ellington Township and graduated from Forest City High School. She was married to Ronald Keith Swanson on March 19, 1950 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. She worked as a legal secretary for many years.

Joan had a deep love for her family and she showed that love in countless ways throughout her life. She showed it in the way she paid attention, in the time she spent with those she cared about, and in the pride that she felt for her family. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, succeed, and build lives of their own.

She loved her one-on-one conversations, her games of bridge with friends, and the simple moments that brought people together. And if you were lucky enough to hear her truly laugh, you know it is something you’ll never forget. Her laugh was genuine, contagious, and full of joy. It could light up a room and make everyone around her smile.

Joan is survived by her children, Darrell (Deb) Swanson of Pittsford, NY; Jeff Swanson of Las Cruces, NM; Kevin (Mary) Swanson of Forest City, IA; & Valerie (Richard) Dillon of Slidell, LA; her grandchildren, Curtis (Tori) Swanson, Tiffany Swanson, Tara (Tim) Phebus, Tyler (Crystal) Swanson, Traci (JP) Blenk, Jason (Marlene) Swanson, Vanessa Swanson, Nicholas (Rebecca) Swanson, Jennifer Swanson, April (Joe) Vogt, Heather Urbatsch, Jessica (Jason) Bruckhoff, Justin Dillon, and Lindsey (Eric) DeLaughter; her sister, Mary Schaefer and her brother, Doug (Carol) Fosse. She also has 29 great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry & Bertha Fosse; her husband, Ronald K Swanson; brother, Harley Dean Swanson; son, Randy Swanson; and grandsons, Joshua & Erik Swanson.