Iola “Ag” Sweere passed away October 16, 2018 at the age of 87. She was a wonderful wife, mother & grandma. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 S. Marschall Road) in Shakopee. Rev. Paul Olson will preside, and Iola will be laid to rest at Eden Prairie Cemetery. Nick, Evan & Austin Sweere, Mike, Gabe & Justin Straub will serve as pallbearers.
On November 27, 1930, Iola Agnes Straub was born to Warren & Agnes (Kern) Straub. She was the middle of three children and the only girl. Iola loved growing up on her family farm in Henning. She was a bit of a tom-boy and much preferred the tough farm chores like bailing hay, milking cows and helping with the harvest rather than cooking and cleaning. Iola attended Henning High School where she earned the nickname “Ag”. During her school years, Ag played on an all-girls basketball team. She also spent a lot of time with her girlfriends. Nuss, Addy, Hank & Ag were a close-knit group, and they remained friends throughout their lives.
Soon after graduation, Ag married the love of her life, Leonard Sweere. They exchanged wedding vows on December 10, 1949. Throughout their marriage, Len often referred to Ag as “Trooper” because she was up for anything and went along with all his crazy ideas… she was a real trooper. Len & Ag settled in Perham and started a family. They were blessed with two boys, Randy and Ricky.
As a family, they enjoyed camping and spending time with family on the farm back in Henning. Len and Ag attended all their boys’ baseball games and were always supportive and encouraging. When her boys were growing up, Ag passed on her love of fishing to them. She and Len would take them fishing nearly every weekend, and Ag knew the best spots for catching walleye. Ag always managed to out-fish her boys.
Eventually Len & Ag moved their family down to the cities where they lived in Excelsior and Minnetonka. When her boys were older, Ag began working outside the home. She was an assembler for Honeywell and later worked the counter at the Hopkins Bowling Alley. When she and Len retired they enjoyed camping in their RV and heading south during the cold Minnesota winters.
In 1996-97, Ag’s world was turned upside down when she lost her husband, son and mother. Although this was as hard time in her life, Ag was a strong woman and persevered. She had family and many close friends to help her through this difficult time.
During the later years of her life, Ag was able to pursue her hobbies. She always loved fishing on the lakes of Northern Minnesota. This was also a great place for her to spot her favorite bird, the loon. Ag was also a great bowler. She and her girlfriends were on a bowling league, and they took frequent road trips across the country to attend national bowling tournaments. Ag treasured these trips and loved spending time with her dear friend, Bern.
In recent years, Ag moved into Savage Senior Living where she received excellent care from the Ebenezer staff. Ag spent her last days surrounded by love. She passed away peacefully with her granddaughter by her side.
Her influence as a strong woman will be remembered always by her son, Randy Sweere; grandchildren, Rachael (Terry) Sweere-Stier, Nicholas Sweere, Evan Sweere, Lauren Sweere; great-grandkids, Austin, Courtney, Francis, Barbara; great-great-grandkids, Lily & Henry; daughters-in-law, Ann & Karen; brother, Gerry Straub, many nieces & nephews.
Iola was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Leonard Sweere; son, Rick Sweere; parents, Agnes & Warren Straub; brother, Wallace “Buzz” Straub.
