Wilma ‘Jo’ Swier, 86

Wilma “Jo” Swier, 86, of Brandon, passed away with family by her side, on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Home, in Brandon.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at Heritage Lutheran Church, Brandon, with a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery. 

Wilma “Jo” Berdahl was born Sept. 11, 1938, in Colton, S.D., to William and Clara (Berg) Berdahl. Born on her father’s 40th birthday and his namesake, Wilma Jo, was raised in Colton where she went to school with the boy who became the love of her life, Ernie Swier. 

After attending Augustana College for a year, she transferred to South Dakota State and the young couple married on Aug. 1, 1958. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics education, Jo taught in Lyons and Colton for a few years before moving to Rock Rapids, Iowa. 

Once becoming a mom and moving to Sioux Falls, Jo focused her many talents on caring for their three children. In 1971, the family moved to an acreage that they named Dakota Ridge, located outside of Brandon/Corson. They raised Simmental cattle, had expansive gardens, and were extensively involved with 4-H where she served as a leader for the Mapleton Hustlers for many years. Jo was active in church and served joyfully. Larger family gatherings were a highlight of Christmas traditions in her home that made the holidays feel magical. Her creative skills were expressed through hobbies, and she created many treasured gifts. Jo returned to working outside the home at Dayton’s department store and then as a bank teller for 18 years, retiring in 2001 from First National Bank. 

Jo and Ernie enjoyed being grandparents, providing care and traveling to see the kids’ events. She always brought meals, usually lasagna, family favorite baked goods and lots of love to share. Her faith, beautiful smile, infectious giggle, and quiet strength will be treasured by all blessed to be loved by her. 

Thankful to have shared her life, Jo is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ernie Swier; three children, Scott (Kristi), Chad (Kara), and Kallie (Daryl) Mitzel; nine grandchildren, Riley Swier, Cody Swier, Kaylee Swier, Brady Swier, Schuyler Swier, Hannah Swier, Spencer Swier, Hailey (Mitzel) Derosier, and Mason Mitzel; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Bev Skrovig of Colton.  

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara Berdahl; and sisters, Marilyn Kluter, Darlene Sheddan, and Cleone Foster.

For online condolences, visit heartlandfunerals.com.