Marlene (Reich) Swearingen

Marlene (Reich) Swearingen

Marlene was born to Herbert Reich and Valanda (Guenthner) Reich on February 5, 1941 in the
German-Russian community of Hazen, ND. She worked as a registered nurse for nearly 50
years, beginning as a CNA at the age of 16. She met her future husband of 56 years, Keith, while
they were working at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND. In 1966, they moved to the North Woods of
Wisconsin, a place Marlene found initially bewildering after growing up on the wide-open
prairie. She and Keith lived in many cities in Wisconsin and eventually returned to New London
to live near their daughter.

She is survived by her children Julie (Roy) Considine, Paul Swearingen, Rachel (John Balbach)
Swearingen and Jason (Shawn) Swearingen; grandchildren Tracy Dehne, Taylor (Steve) Ryan,
and Eli Swearingen; great grandchildren Zarah, Edie, Aliza and Royce; sister
Eldora; sister- and brother-in-law Mary and Darrell (Carol); and many special nieces, nephews
and cousins. She is preceded in death by husband Keith; sons Mark and James; parents Herbert
and Valanda; parents-in-law Paul and Phyllis; and sister- and brother-in-law Elaine and David.

Marlene loved quilting, gardening, reading, taking long drives, and her cat Freddy. She took
great joy in the company of her numerous dear friends and caring neighbors. She will be greatly
missed for her endless kindness and resilience. We will never forget her handwritten letters and
towering apple pies.

In lieu of a service an informal celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts
may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a favorite charity.

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