Dorothy Belle Lowman Swenson, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 28, 2020 at the home of her daughter-in-law.
Dorothy was born to the late Willard and Florence Lewis Lowman on July 1, 1924 at 10:30 am in the upstairs bedroom of their home on West 13th Street, Concordia, Kan. She graduated 8th grade at the Sibley School in 1938 and Concordia High School in 1942. She attended Kansas State University for one year. Dorothy was employed the POW Camp Hospital Supply Office from August 1943 until December 1944.
Dorothy met the love of her life, Leonard, at age 14, though at that time they were just acquaintances who became friends as their paths continued to cross. In 1945, while attending Kansas State University, Leonard returned from the South Pacific and proposed. Dorothy and Leonard were married in the Concordia First United Methodist Church on October 7, 1945. In April 1946, they purchased 40 acres of property on the edge on town. They shared a beautiful life together on this property for 58 years. During their marriage they had one son, Phillip. They devoted their lives to farming and had a grade A dairy operation for many years. Dorothy remained the Farm Financial Manager of the Swenson Centennial Farm until her passing. Dorothy loved God and always had a Bible on the table beside her. She was a life long member of the Concordia First United Methodist Church. She assumed leadership roles over the years including Active District Missionary Work. She was an avid lifelong reader and a member of the Mystery Book Club at the Frank Carlson Library. Dorothy was a wonderful storyteller and was always willing to share memories of life in Concordia such as her first employment at a law firm making $25/month or the joys and struggles of life on a farm in Kansas.
She is preceded in death by her parents Willard and Florence Lewis Lowman; husband Leonard N. Swenson; son Phillip Eugene (Janice) Swenson; brothers in law Lowell (Carolyn) Swenson, Lorraine (Lorieta) Swenson and Lloyd Swenson; sisters Betty Lowman Robison (Robin) and Charlotte (Alan) Kruis; brothers Harold (Betty Jo) Lowman, Arthur (Gloria) Lowman, Richard Lowman (Merna), John Henry (Connie) Lowman and Donald (Margie) Lowman, and niece Vicky (John) Lowman Young.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter-in-law Janice Swenson of Concordia; Grandson Jeff Swenson and wife Janet Swenson of Valrico, Fla. She is also survived by her brother Willard "Bill" Lowman (Gay) of Florida; sister Judy Acquistapace, Calif.; sister-in-law Merna Lowman, Arizona; and sister-in-law Connie Swenson, Clay Center.
Dorothy will be laid to rest by Leonard's side in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. A family graveside committal service will be held at 2 pm, Wed., Dec. 2, 2020. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Public visitation will be from 1-8 pm, Tues., Dec. 1, 2020 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Cloud County Food Bank, The Concordia Public Transportation, or First United Methodist Church in care of Chaput Buoy.
For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.