Bertha Anne (Vallem) Swan age 93 passed on February 12th 2025.

She was born March 10, 1931 in Hayward, Wisconsin to Arthur and Ruth (Koloen) Vallem. Shortly after her birth she was baptized on July 26, 1931 at the First Lutheran Church in Hayward with all her family and grandparents in attendance. She was raised on the farm in Hayward with brothers Arvid, Raymond, Stuart and sister Florence. She graduated in 1949 from Hayward High School , Wisconsin. She worked at the Hayward Dairy Company before she met the love of her life Melvin W. Swan. They married March 28th, 1950.

In 1957 they bought the farmstead in Spooner from Uncle Edwin and Aunt Sophie Hanson where she and Melvin lived and raised their two sons Dale and DuWayne. She worked at the soil conservation office in Spooner for 28 years receiving several awards during her employment before she retired. She also helped to raise chickens, the selling of the eggs, raising beef cattle and helping with farm work where and whenever needed. Bertha and Melvin took a wonderful cruise and traveled to places like Arizona, Hawaii, California and Norway. She was proud to be of Norweigan heritage and would often say mange takk (many thanks) and uff ta! She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and canning what they grew. Feeding and watching birds outside the living room window was also a joy. They had several dogs and farm cats over the years, and she fed and loved them all.

Bertha enjoyed taking evening drives with Melvin to look at the deer and also hunting them in the fall with the family. She helped with the boys and their various 4-H projects, especially the Polled Hereford cattle and garden projects. She joined T.O.P.S in November 1997 and reached her weight loss goal in a very short amount of time and was The Queen in 1998. She was a member until 2018. She was known for her delicious baked goods, strong work ethic and beautiful cross stitch creations.

On June 18th, 2001 evening, a F3 tornado ripped through their farm destroying most of the buildings. By the grace of God they where saved in their house by three large trees that came down on the house. They worked tirelessly to restore their farm. Grateful for all the family, friends and community that helped with that life changing event. Bertha and Melvin celebrated 65 years of marriage before his passing in April 2015. Bertha stayed living on the family farm until 2021 due to failing health, then residing at Shell Lake health care until her passing. Bertha was a dedicated employee, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Bertha's surviving family include sons Dale (Carol) Swan Spooner, WI, DuWayne Swan(Jeana Jarvis) Straford WI, Grandchildren Danielle (Eric)Larson Spooner WI, Darian Swan of Rice Lake, WI, great grand children Nolen, Dominik, MacGregor, Brielle Larson of Spooner, WI and many nephews and nieces.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Melvin, brothers Arvid, Raymond, Stuart, sister Florence, brother in law Jim, sisters in law Elaine, Naomi, Edith.

Services will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Spooner Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Brent Berkesh. Burial will take place at Spooner Cemetery following the service.

Last Update: Feb 19, 2025 1:21 pm CST