ROCHESTER -- Ann K. Swanson, 65, passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Ann was born July 30, 1944, to Donald and Phyllis Johnson in Virginia Beach, Va. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. Ann married Bruce Swanson in 1966 and soon resigned from teaching to raise her children. During this time she served as a docent at St. Paul's Como Zoo and volunteered locally for Meals on Wheels and Christmas Anonymous. She was a tour guide at Mayowood and taught Sunday School classes at Zumbro Lutheran Church, where she and Bruce have been members for more than 30 years. Ann was a member of the American Association of University Women. She was an avid reader.

Ann excelled at hand knitting, needlepoint and rug hooking, with special expertise in traditional Scandinavian designs and fine lace knitting. After years of presenting family members incredible gifts of wearable art, she went into business as part-owner of The Whiffletree, a local yarn goods store. Later, she and a friend established "Two Old Bags," a business specializing in designing patterns for hand knitters. Their patterns were sold nationwide and throughout Canada. Ann's technical skills were exceptional, and she was an accomplished designer. Her patterns have been featured in numerous books and publications.

Ann is survived by her husband, Bruce; two children, Eric Swanson of Rochester and Molly (Greg Heslin) Swanson of Greenville, S.C.; two grandchildren, Kala Mae Heslin and Celyn James Heslin; her father, Donald L. Johnson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three siblings, Peter (Margaret) Johnson of Hanover, Mass., Timothy (Janet) Johnson of Minneapolis and Linnea (Byron Scott) Johnson-Scott of Rochester, and many nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 Third Ave. S.W., Rochester. Visitation will be an hour before the service at the church. Inurnment will follow the service.

Please direct memorials to Vesterheim, Decorah, Iowa; or Christmas Anonymous in Rochester.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester.

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