DORENE J SCHWAN

Dorene J. Schwan, 81 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving and caring family. Mass of the Resurrection for Dorene will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Dorene was born in Maddock, North Dakota on December 28, 1933 to Oscar and Edith Hanson. She spent her childhood on the farm, northeast of Minnewaukan, ND. She was actively involved in the outdoor chores of farming. She graduated in 1951 from Minnewaukan High School. After graduating from high school she was employed in the office of attorney Douglas Heen. After her children were older, Dorene served as the bookkeeper for the family business, Schwan Oil Company. On April 20, 1953 she was united in marriage to Dennis L. Schwan of Devils Lake, They made their home in Devils Lake where Dennis was working in the family business, Schwan Oil Company. Dorene and Dennie were BLESSED with five children and nine grandchildren. Dorene devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren. It is fair to say that her joy in life came from her family and friends and she was always willing to help and provide for them. In return everyone adored her and just enjoyed being in her presence and so appreciated her generosity and kindness. Dorene enjoyed an active social life. When her children were in school she was an active member of the parent Teacher Association for St. Joseph’s School and St. Mary’s High School. When her husband Dennie was coaching the high school girls’ basketball team at St. Mary’s, she served as the chaperone on the bus for all the out of town games. Throughout her adult life she was a member of a local birthday club that gathered together for over fifty years. Dorene’s favorite daily ritual was meeting her “special” friends for a cup of coffee at the White House Café. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society, and the Medora Foundation. The last couple of years were physically challenging for Dorene. Hospitals in Devils Lake, Grand Forks and Fargo called her a medical miracle and believed that it was her family that helped her over come so many medical complications. We will miss her always but we believe that a “Mother holds her child’s hand for just a short time, but holds their hearts forever”. Dorene is survived by her loving husband of more than 61 years, Dennis; children the Reverend Kristen "Connie" Schwan, Grafton, ND, Cathy Steen, Williston, ND, Barry (Lori) Schwan, Jeanne (Tim) Greene, and Heidi (Jason) Wiberg, all of Devils Lake, ND; grandchildren: Lee (Jamie) Schwan, Amanda Schwan; Joshua (Callie) Greene, Jace Greene, Jayla Greene, Jacob Greene; Kellan Wiberg, Tayven Wiberg; Aubryn Wiberg; sister Dallas Sturlaugson, Devils Lake, ND; brother Dale(Delores) Hanson, Rosemount, MN; sisters-in-law Rosemary Hanson, Blaine, MN, Deanna Hanson, Minnewaukan, ND, Marlene Hanson, Devils Lake, ND, Marion (Bob) Alvestad, Devils Lake, ND, and Rosie Haugen, Morris, MN; many nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Oscar Hanson Jr., Glen Hanson and Donnie Hanson; sister Linda (Stensby) Gile; son-in-law Dean Steen and in-laws Steve and Lena Schwan. Casket bearers for Dorene will be her son-in-laws, Tim Greene and Jason Wiberg, grandsons, Lee Schwan, Joshua Greene, Jace Greene, granddaughter Amanda Schwan and nephew Darrin Stensby. Honorary bearers are her grandchildren Jayla Greene, Jacob Greene, Kellan Wiberg, Tayven Wiberg and Aubryn Wiberg. Gift bearers will be Jayla Greene, Jacob Greene, Kellan, Tayven and Aubryn Wiberg. Music will be provided by Lynne Webster, Tom Burckhard,and JoDee Lagein.