A Mass of Christian Burial for Patti Swanson, age 61, of O'Neill, will be at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill, with burial in the O'Neill Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, December 26, 2016, from 5-8 P.M., with a 7:00 P.M. Rosary at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Patti passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Patricia Louise Swanson was born in Atkinson, NE, on November 5, 1955, to Vernon Jerome and Beth Lorain (Sloan) Tielke.  She was raised in rural Atkinson in a large, loving and fun family.  Her family, to this day, remains close and continue to stay closely in touch.  Patti married Jerry Buckendahl and to this marriage, two children were born; Ami and Amber.  Later, she was united in marriage to Mitchell Swanson.  To this union, two children were born; Abbie and Nolan.

Patti was a well-respected business operator for 31 years in the O'Neill community.  Fellow business owners respected her contribution to the city and to those who attended the chamber meetings.  Community members and those beyond who patronized Tia Zia showed their appreciation by their continued returns.  Those who worked for and with her recognized a strong woman who was willing to put her life into the success of her endeavor and witnessed someone who had the knowledge and expertise to succeed.  She was available to participate in any community activity and contributed in a most willing and confident manner.  In recent years, she made the decision to pursue work in an area she long loved, interior design, and found great satisfaction, enjoyment and success in this endeavor.

Family was so very important to Patti.  Her children relied on her to assist them in their life choices and pursuits.  She was there in each turn of their lives.  Her grandchildren were stars in her life.  You could see a light in her eyes when she talked about them.  Her brothers and sisters were the recipients of her generosity at their family gatherings for events and holiday gatherings.  Many friends were included in frequent parties at her home and were always made to feel welcome.  She created great memories for family and friends and she will long be remembered for the numerous ways she touched so many lives.

Patti  is survived by her children; Ami Buckendahl of O'Neill, Amber Jurgensmeier and husband Travis of Omaha, Abbie Vogt and husband Auston of O'Neill, Nolan Swanson and wife Jewel, of O'Neill, 6 grandchildren: Xander Wright, Archer, Ashton, and Tate Jurgensmeier, Cameron and Anston Vogt, her brothers and sisters; Jerry Tielke and wife Becky of Norfolk, NE, Terri Olander and husband Tom of Bloomfield, NE, Bill Tielke and wife Julie of Atkinson, NE, Becci Olander and husband Bob of Lincoln, NE, Mike Tielke and wife Joy of Norfolk, NE, Merri Schneider and husband Darold of O'Neill, NE, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.