Kathryn Swoffer age 94 of Walnut Grove passed away peacefully Monday, February 10, 2014 at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 14 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation is 5:00-6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial is in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Divine Providence Community Home. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Kathryn Buyck (Swoffer) was born April 26, 1919 to Ernest and Angeline (Van de Voorde) Buyck. She was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was confirmed in the Catholic faith. Kathryn graduated from Walnut Grove High School in June 1937. Kathryn and Richard Swoffer were united in marriage in Tracy, Minnesota on July 13, 1937. She loved driving trips to Florida, Washington, and the Black Hills. Kathryn enjoyed gardening, working on the Sunday crossword puzzle, working on beautiful hand-made quilts, cooking and baking. Her pies and cakes were outstanding. Kathryn always fried the chicken for the yearly 4th of July, Lake Shetek, Swoffer family picnic. Her potato salad was the best. Kathryn was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and their women’s auxiliary, serving one year as their president. She was a devoted, perceptive, loving, kind daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Kathryn adored her grandchildren. She was always positive and encouraged her children to obtain what they wanted out of life. On February 10, 2014 Kathryn died as she lived with unassuming grace and with consideration for others before herself.
Kathryn is survived by her five children: Marietta Swoffer (Henry) Faragalli of Philadelphia, PA, Michael (Sally) Swoffer of Spokane, WA, John (Donna) Swoffer of Cloverdale, CA, Suzanne Swoffer Hoffman of Durham, NC, and Pamela Swoffer (Bob) Ebbesen of Redwood Falls; 9 grandchildren: Henry Faragalli III, Katherine Faragalli Howard, Thomas M., Zachary P., Edward, Michael, and Richard Swoffer, Tatyana Hoffman Blankenship, and Elizabeth Ebbesen Touw; 11 great grandchildren; two nephews and a niece; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, siblings John (“Bob”), Martha, and Donald Buyck; and son-in-law Peter Hoffman.
Kathryn was such a dear, gentle sweethearted lady! I enjoyed getting to know her through her years at Lake Villa Maria Apartments & Divine Providence. She always had a story and smile to share. It was fun to listen to her talk about family, and her husband, I will always remember her love of coffee & chocolate! A lady after my own heart! She always looked forward to all your visits and it was always nice to visit with you and see her face light up! My deepest sympathy! My thoughts & prayers are with you! God Bless You! Love, Beth Vait (DPCH Activities) Sorry I wont be able to make it to Kathryn’s visitation but know that I am thinking of you all!
Thank you Beth, you and the staff at Lake Villa and Divine were wonderful to our Mom. She loved playing bingo when she was still able, and enjoyed the activities especially when children were involved. We appreciate the devotion you and Shelley Rae and the activities staff have for all the residents there. God bless you!
Marietta Faragalli for the Swoffer family
activities department
thank you all for making mom happy. All three sisters Marietta, Pam And me (Susie) want to live there when older. I used your ideas at Rose Manor Center In Durham, NC. we loved your concentration game, but the music was the best and most soothing for visitors and residents. Swoffer Family
Dear Swoffer family,
I offer fervent prayers for the repose of Kathryn, and I will remember her at the altar as I offer Mass tomorrow. It was a joy for me to come to know Kathryn during my years as Chaplain at DPCH/LVM (2007-2010).
Respectfully in Christ, Fr. Mark S. Mallak, St. Aloysius Church, Olivia MN.
Thank you Father Mark, Mom. always liked you. She said Lake Villa had to be a good place since there were so many priests there!! We appreciate that you often chatted with Mom personally at lunch. She was a kind , considerate person and a wonderful Mom. We will miss her always.
Thank you for your kindness to her and your prayers.
Marietta Faragalli for the Swoffer family
father Mallak
Thank you Father for your note and Mom really liked and enjoyed seeing you with all your friends in the dining room. Her spirit is floating through the rooms with peace while the winter winds blow with fury outside.
Susie hoffman