Marion Williams Swanson

At nearly 100 years of age, Marion Williams Swanson passed away on Good Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Bethany Riverside Transitional Care facility in La Crosse.

Marion was the first baby girl born at the Wausau Memorial Hospital on July 21, 1924. Marion, along with her much-loved big brother Blaine, became a resident of Boulder Junction as just an infant. Her parents, Hazel and Floyd Williams, made the move after Floyd became the full-time depot agent for Boulder Junction’s train service. Marion went to a one-room school in Boulder Junction and attended two years of high school in Minocqua. With the country’s entry into WWII, Marion transferred to Wausau High School, where she would meet her future husband, Donald Swanson. Marion graduated from Wausau High in 1943.

Don and Marion were the first couple to be married at the Boulder Junction Community Church in 1945.

With Don’s discharge from the U.S. Army, they resided in Wausau where their children, Thomas (Tom) Swanson and Patricia (Patty) Swanson Skewes, were born.

Upon the death of Marion’s mother in 1953, Don and Marion moved permanently to Boulder Junction to assist Marion’s father with the operation of his resort on White Sand Lake. Don and Marion later purchased Camp Milo Lodge and continued their many, many years of service to the Boulder Junction community.

Marion worked hard all her life. She was not only an exceptional cook and baker, she truly enjoyed being with people and helping others. Marion returned to school in her 50s to become a CNA, which resulted in her working at the Dr. Kate’s elder care facility for several years.

Her enduring faith was exhibited in her dedication to the Community Church of Boulder Junction.

Marion would cook for nearly every event, was the Sunday school superintendent for years, served as an Elder, worked tirelessly for the Good Will Society, began the Prayer Chain, was involved with the food pantry and participated in nearly every church related children’s program.

Throughout her 58 years of marriage and her life after Don’s passing, Marion held firmly to her love of Boulder Junction and her church. Even from her nursing facility in La Crosse, Marion would wish for a return to BJ. We, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family members and many friends are deeply grateful for our time with Marion and to bring her home. A graveside service will take place at a future date.