Gloria Mae Swanson, 71, of Bonduel, passed away at Aurora Hospital in Green Bay after a brief illness on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. She was born May 19, 1946, in Green Bay to Leon and Adelia (Brandt) Hilliker. Gloria grew up in Navarino and often shared fond memories of her childhood there. She graduated from Navarino Grade School and Bonduel High School.
She and Charles Stern were married on Oct. 28, 1967; Charles passed away Feb. 13, 1994. They have a daughter, Bonnie Rossi, of McFarland. Bonnie and her daughter Bella have been a great joy in Gloria’s life.
Gloria married Robert Swanson on May 18, 2002. She and Rob shared many interests, among them gardening, yard work, ice fishing, hiking and berry picking at the cabin in Marinette County and the Packers! For several years, she helped care for Rob’s parents, Loren and Margaret Swanson. Loren said of Gloria, “If there’s anything that needs to be done, Gloria can do it.” Each winter, she looked forward to a visit with her sister, Jean, and her husband in Arizona.
She was employed at A.C. Nielson in Green Bay, Shawano Shopper’s Guide, and was the layout designer for “Auction Action Antique News” Trade Paper. Gloria’s creativity was evident in both her work and her many interests, which included gardening, her home, canning and crafts. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel, participating in Bible studies and other activities.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Charles Stern; and her brother, Lee Hilliker.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Swanson; daughter, Bonnie (Brian) Rossi; granddaughter, Annabella Rossi; brother, Roland Hilliker; sister, Jean (Leon) Drage; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The funeral service will be at St. Paul Lutheran in Bonduel at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 15, with the Rev. Mark Palmer officiating. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice. Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the doctors, nurses and other staff at Aurora BayCare Medical Center of Green Bay, who were so kind and professional to all of us during Gloria’s final days.