Elizabeth “Bette” Swankier

   Elizabeth “Bette” Swankier, age 90, of Remer, MN passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Americare Lodge, Remer, MN.

   Bette was born in 1930 to Walter and Kathryn Andrews in Norwalk, IA. She graduated from Remer High School in 1949. Bette married Benjamin “Glenn” Swankier in Remer on June 10, 1950, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Bette and Glenn made their home in Remer where they raised their family. She was employed with Remer school as a cook. Bette suffered a stroke at age 42 which hindered her ability to work and see.

   Bette was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she also taught many how to cook, bake, and can. Bette loved gardening and caring for her flowers. Bette was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Remer and enjoyed serving, especially for the Guild and Hunter’s dinners. In her later years, Bette was a true prayer warrior for her family and friends.

   Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Don Welk; son and daughter-in-law, John and Demita Swankier; son-in-law, Rick Heinlen; grandsons, Kent Heinlen and Andrew Swankier; great grandchildren, Makayla Hoag and Chance Heinlen; one brother; and three sisters

   Bette is survived by her three daughters, Diane Heinlen of Brainerd, MN, Kathy (Butch) Bauer of Melrose, MN, Michelle (Kyle) Recker of Weatherford, OK; son, Mike (Cindy) Swankier of Remer; three sisters, Darlene (George) Coffman, Kay (Duane) Boogaard, Patty (Dick) Engen; brother, Jim (Bridget) Andrews; 19 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

   Visitation will be Monday, August 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Remer followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Keith Bertram will officiate. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Remer. 

   Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.