Sheri Lynn Swanson

Sheri was the oldest of four children born to Shirley and William Pant Jr. She learned at a young age from her mother how to love on people and take care of them, how to work hard, and how to make ends meet. She grew up being a good big sister and took that role seriously, caring for her siblings even after they became adults. She was a great aunt and caregiver to Patty for many years after her Ma was gone. She was always there when family needed her. Her caregiving spirit went on through life as she helped to care for her mother, Dan's sister Susie, and her mother-in-law Roberta through declining health. Many other family members and friends were touched by Sheri’s care, and how she would reach out to them in times of trouble or need.

Her friendship with dear friends Judy and Chris Swanson in school led her into her marriage with Dan Swanson on September 4, 1972. Dan loved her dearly and she loved him unconditionally. They enjoyed parenting their boys, Karl and Nick. The boys’ friends were taken under her wing and treated just like her own kids, including discipline. Karl remembers The Wooden Spoon that she carried in her purse so she would always have it handy - and if she broke it and you laughed, she would find something else to use to keep things in order. Katie says Aunt Sheri was so kind and unapologetically herself. She taught me to authentically be myself at times when I was struggling to find my way

The Swansons camped together with family and friends. And they made new friends wherever they went, many of them lasting a lifetime. Sheri took in her granddaughter Adrianna at a time when her parents weren't able to. She loved her, and always wanted her to be good and do good. Adriana believes she took care of her like no one else could. She was there when she needed her and loved her unconditionally.

Sheri was quick-witted and always had a comeback that would leave you laughing. Her craziness was lovable. She was always jolly and never spoke negatively about anyone. She was not judgmental and when you went to her with something that you had done wrong, she would listen and not judge you. She was bold, blunt, honest, sincere, smiley, happy, goofy, welcoming, loving, full of energy and spunk, and downright boisterous. Many people just loved her laugh and it always made them laugh with her. It was kind of mischievous, and she could call you out without making you feel bad. Sherry was an amazing friend, full of grace, and if you showed up unannounced she would make room for you and set another place at the table.

She loved playing poker, going to the casino, taking cruises, and hanging out with the girls. The Poker Ladies met every month since the late '80s. She was a founding member, and though the members changed over the years, she remained constant to the group and cherished dear friendships and camaraderie, trips to the cabin, color tours, wine tasting and adventures. She could play a mean game of Poker. 

Sheri worked at a bakery on 32nd and Eastern when she was young. Later she worked at SA Abraham & Sons, Brittanie's Thyme, sold Avon for many years, and volunteered as a child advocate. She worked at Cedar Springs schools as a parapro and was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to many children that struggled in school. She was a dedicated worker and met every challenge she was given. She could read a scary book very loudly and with the expression needed to make the story extremely interesting so that the listeners remembered it for 40 years. If she was working on the playground, nobody could get away with causing trouble. 

Sheri always helped people in need and opened her heart to anyone and everyone. She loved God. She had a love for her family and friends that was driven by grace. Her door was always open and the coffee was always on.

Sherry was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Swanson; her mother, Shirley Pant; her mother-in-law, Roberta Swanson; father-in-law, Carl Swanson; her sister, Patty Pant; her sister-in-law, Susan Labadie; her brother-in-law, Dave Hastings; and her nephew, Corey Abdalla.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Karl D (Dana Patch) Swanson, and Nicholas Swanson; granddaughter, Adrianna Bergman-Swanson; sister, Billie West along with her children and grandchildren; brother, Douglas “Doogie” (Susan) Pant along with their children and grandchildren; Dan's siblings, their spouses, and their children and grandchildren, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Dennis Gilbert officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 5-6 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming.