Mrs. Leona Kristine Swanson, age 92, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Oneida, Illinois, died at 8:14 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
She was born March 1, 1933, in Galesburg, the middle child of three daughters born to Helga (Poulsen) and Henry Jensen, who emigrated from Denmark in 1929. She was raised on her parents’ farm near Oneida, where she contributed to the family operation by helping care for the Brown Swiss dairy herd, hay fields, and crops.
Leona attended Oneida schools and was a graduate of ROVA High School in 1951. She later married Marion Swanson, who preceded her in death in 1991.
Leona was employed at First Galesburg National Bank in Galesburg, Illinois. After the birth of her children, she devoted many years to raising her family and tending the family farm. She later worked in the cafeteria at ROVA School and at Seminary Estates. She retired in 1996.
She enjoyed cooking, spending time with and talking to her family and friends, keeping connected through Facebook and phone calls, and writing long, thoughtful notes that filled every inch of the paper or card she sent. She was a long-time member of Altona Lutheran Church and later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg.
She is survived by her four children: her daughter, Amy (David) Bowman of Galesburg, Illinois; her sons, Paul (Trudy) Swanson of Oneida, Keith (Susan) Swanson of Victoria, Illinois, and Gary Swanson (daughter-in-law, Cathy Swanson) of Hector, Arkansas
She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Andrew Bowman; Anna Bowman; Alison (Jack) Lucas and their child, Lane Wiley Lucas; Brett (Krista) Swanson and their children, Bianca, Karina, Suzanna, and Brock Swanson; Mallory Tolley and her children, Mya and Maeve Tolley; Heidi (and Jake) Libby, step-grandchild, and their children, Hannah and Dane Libby; Scott (Annie) Swanson; Dana (Doug) Carlson and their children, Vayda, Naya, and Broxen Carlson; Brooke (Brian) Monge and her grandchildren, Ellery and Deikon Van Unnik; Sarah Gaines and her son, Tanner (Gracie) Gaines; Amanda (Mark) Osborne and their children, Addison and Sienna Osborne; Laura (Rico) Mulder and their children, Teagan, Grayson, and Bentley Mulder.
She is further survived by several nieces and nephews, and many cousins in Denmark.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Kathryn McKie and Dorothy Thode, and a special friend, David Wright.
As Leona requested, cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel, followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Tim Anderson will officiate. Cremation burial will be in Oneida Cemetery following the service.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
