In Loving Memory of Edrie Lou Swanson
March 28, 1939 – May 25, 2026
Edrie Lou (Parker) Swanson was born March 28, 1939, in Helena, Montana, to Alvin Victor Parker and Maxine Katherine Walsh. They later moved to Polson, Montana, where Edrie attended high school and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Swimming at Flathead Lake remained one of her fondest memories of her time in Polson. Edrie went on to attend the University of Montana in Missoula to pursue her passion for a Speech Therapy degree. Though her plans changed when her father unexpectedly passed away during her freshman year, it was during this time that she met her true love, Robert Swanson. They were married on September 6, 1959, and remained in Helena while Robert (Bob) completed his business degree.
Bob’s career took them on a wonderful journey starting in Great Falls, Montana, where they welcomed their first son, Douglas, in 1963. Shortly after, they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their second son, David, was born in 1965. A subsequent move took them to Sioux City, Iowa, where their daughters Elece and Megan were born in 1968 and 1971. While raising her four children there, Edrie was deeply involved in the community, serving in the Junior League and as President of the Junior Women’s Club. In 1979, the family followed a lifelong dream and purchased a resort on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota. Alongside Bob, Edrie loved managing the 11 cabins, taking care of guests, and wrangling her four rambunctious children.
Edrie was a legendary host and cook who loved preparing family dinners and entertaining friends. Her refrigerator was always full, and she possessed the magical ability to make “something out of nothing” at a moment’s notice. Her tables were always beautifully set, and her food was fantastic.
Moving to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1983, made Edrie a Jayhawk for life. She was an avid KU Basketball fan through and through, never missing a chance to cheer them on.
Her professional career brought her to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where she served as the Assistant to the President for 25 years. Her dedication to education came full circle when, after watching three of her children graduate from Baker, she earned her own bachelor’s degree from BU in 1999 at the age of 60. After retiring in 2008, Bob and Edrie moved to Table Rock Lake, creating a vibrant new lake life. Their deck became a hub for family and friends to fish, boat, play games, and build lasting memories. In 2020, they returned to Baldwin City to be closer to their beloved family.
Edrie also carried a lifelong love for animals; her dogs meant the world to her, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now surrounded by endless love and doggie kisses.
Edrie was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Parker; her father, Alvin Parker; and her sister, Jacque Collins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Swanson; her sons, Doug Swanson and David Swanson; her daughters, Elece Kellerman and Megan Wilson (husband Steve); and her six cherished grandchildren: Parker Wilson, Annika Swanson, Tennyson Wilson, Jake Swanson, Charlie Swanson, and Max Kellerman.
Please join the family for a come-and-go celebration of Edrie’s wonderful life on Thursday, June 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin City Beer Company in Baldwin City, Kansas. Please stay casual and feel free to wear your favorite KU Jayhawk or Baker Wildcat shirt to honor her favorite teams.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Edrie Lou Swanson to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046 or online at https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/ or Baker University, Attn: Office of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or online at https://alumni.bakeru.edu/give/endowment/, please use The Edrie Parker Swanson Endowed Scholarship.