Obituary of LuJean Swanlund

LuJean Swanlund (née Groskreutz) passed peacefully, April 18, in Oak Park Heights, MN, surrounded by family. She was 94. She is preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, brothers Deane and Keith, and son Douglas. 

LuJean was born to Henry and Lucile (Erickson) Groskreutz in Fulda, Minnesota. She attended Macalester College, where she met George Swanlund. They married in 1950. Graduating in 1951, LuJean worked for several years at Miller Hospital in St. Paul. 

For twenty years, LuJean cared for husband George, after he was paralyzed in a bicycle accident.

She shared her many talents and skills as a volunteer, including at the Lee & Rose Warner Nature Center and the Red Cross swimming program, and she helped restore the one-room schoolhouse at Boutwells Landing.

LuJean gave selflessly of herself. She was a nurturer. She was a caregiver. She had a sly sense of  humor and a mischievous streak. LuJean was a friend to all and a steward of the planet and plants and animals that live on it and we are all the better for it. We’ll miss her.

LuJean is survived by her children: Mark (Beverly), Gail (Sean), JeanAnn (Arthur), Jan (Garry); her grandchildren: Angela (Trevor), Kevin (Angie), Coral (Gheorghe), Abby, Cerus, Alondra, Jesus, Stephanie, and Kim; and fourteen great-grandchildren. 

Memorials preferred to your favorite charity. 

Service will be held Saturday April 27, at North Presbyterian Church, North St Paul. Visitation at 10am, service at 11am, refreshments to follow.