Pearl Evelyn (Pedersen) Swank passed away on January 9, 2024 in Poplar, MT. She was born on October 19, 1923 in Congor, MN near Albert Lea, MN to Danish immigrant parents Peder Marius and Inger (Paulsen) Pedersen. When Pearl was 5 years old, the family moved to a rented farm north of Circle, MT where she went to country schools. The family moved to Malta after she finished the 7th grade. Pearl graduated from Malta High School in 1941. She graduated in 1945 from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She taught in Culbertson, Nashua, Fairview and Poplar High Schools. She married Eugene Swank of North Poplar in 1952, where they raised their 4 children. She was an active leader for decades in the Up-‘N-Atom 4-H club teaching girls to sew, using her Home Economics teaching skills. She sewed all her own dresses, always had a big garden and many people appreciated “Pearl’s potatoes”. She took up quilting after her kids graduated from high school cutting blocks and sewing quilts for babies and old folks and put together thousands of quilt tops that when finished were donated to Denver Children’s Hospital, Daniels County Nursing Home and other charities. The star quilts she made were all quilted by her hand and she gave several neighbor kids quilts when they graduated high school. Pearl was a member of Zion Lutheran Church (north Brockton) and attended Pleasant Prairie Lutheran Church (Flaxville). Pearl had a wonderful 100th birthday celebration with friends and family, continued sewing until the last 2 months, and resided on the family farm until her death.
Pearl is survived by her children Donna Swank Rudiger, Mark Swank, Lyle (Cheryl) Swank (Idaho Falls, ID) and Lois (Greg) Weber; grandsons Warren (Laurel) and Mason Weber (Silver Spring, MD); step-granddaughters Ashley (Kyle) Perry (Meridian, ID) and Kelsey Hagerty (Idaho Falls, ID), step-great-granddaughters Azlynn & Loxley Perry; and great-granddaughter Kai Weber.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings and their spouses: Chris (Norma), Emil (Luisa), Rosa (Ted) Seppala & Paul (Maxine) and her husband, Eugene.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Montana 4-H Foundation, PO Box 173580, Bozeman, MT 59717; Concordia College, 901 8th St. S., Morehead, MN 56562 or a charity of your choice. Pearl was aptly named as she was a real gem.
A private family burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, North of Brockton, Montana. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20 , 2024 at the Pleasant Prairie Lutheran Church (mile marker 32 on Hwy 251, County Line Rd).
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Private Services
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 20, 2024
Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery
North of Brockton, Montana 59213
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday January 20, 2024
Pleasant Prairie Lutheran Church
1721A RY Trail
Flaxville, Montana 59222
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Susan Mahlum Ferguson says
Lois & Greg, prayers to all your family. Your Mom truly lived her life to the fullest.
Raymond Dolezilek says
Donna and family so sad to hear of your mother’s passing. She recently had a Birthday. Prayers to all – love Raymond dolezilek 💖
Pr. Chris says
Deepest condolences for family and friends of Pearl. To paraphrase the Gospel of Luke, “She was a Pearl of great value.” I cannot forget her humility and kindness she showed. She was an extraordinary quilter, gardener, cook and faithful member of Zion Lutheran when we met. Her generosity and warmth overflowed. I feel blessed to have known her. She was indeed a Pearl of great value. May the knowledge of the great love of the Creator, the resurrection, the love and care of friends and family give you healing and strength. Love never dies and we are transformed through our death. Lifting you up in prayer. Pr.s Chris and Greg
Dave Anderson says
Pearl was a great lady who raised a great family! She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten! May God comfort you during this time of loss!
Tim/Iva Zimmerman says
Pearl was a special lady! My condolences to the family! May God comfort the family during their time of loss, She will be greatly missed! ❤❤❤
Tony Anderson says
Pearl was a very nice lady always had a baked good if you stopped by I always enjoyed pearl
Sharon Harrison says
My condolences to the family. Pearl was such an amazing lady. I am very grateful that I knew Pearl. She taught me how to sew and much more when I was growing up . Pearl always had a smile on her face and was very kind. She will be missed by many.
Joe Taflan says
May God comfort your family in the days ahead. So sorry for your loss.
Steve Weber says
Pearl was a lovely lady, my privilege to have met her and spent just a bit of time with her. No doubt she was very proud of her children who carry on her legacy .
Carol Ault says
So very sorry for your family’s loss. She was a nice lady.
My prayers are with the family.
Tim Randolph says
Donna – although I did not know your mother personally, she was obviously an amazing mother, wife, and community member. I can see her many qualities in you. Praying for you and your siblings.
Courtney Lomax says
Donna- You and your family are in our thoughts and parayers. Your Roche family is thinking of you at this time.
Karen Dixon says
My heart and prayers to you Donna and your family. From all you’ve shared about your mom over the years she was truly an amazing women who was fortunate to have been able to be with all of you in her final days. May God bless you all!
Karen Dixon
Fred and Cindy says
May peace and fond memories always be with you and the family. Pearl was a very special women. I (Cindy) remember 1st meeting Pearl at her home, full of beautiful quilts and works in progress. Before leaving town we stopped by to get some of her red potatoes and planted them in our CA backyard. For many years they volunteered to feed us and were the best! On our visits thereafter, we enjoyed her kind heart and spirit and her unbelievable energy in that huge garden. It was a blessing to know her and she was fortunate to have you all around her on the farm and throughout her life. She will be missed but has surely let her love light shine on so many others during her 100 years.
With love, Fred and Cindy Giesen