Swanhild "Swanie" Kingslien

Swanhild “Swanie” Sharon Kingslien, age 89, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026.

Swanhild “Swanie” Sharon Kingslien, age 89, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully, though unexpectedly, on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026. She was born at home in Westby, WI on April 20, 1937, to the late Ingvald and Evelyn (Role) Paulsrud. She entered the world blue, with fluid in her airway. Fearful she wouldn’t live long her parents had her baptized immediately. Her health was tenuous, requiring rescue measures to be performed but to the relief and joy of her family, Swanie survived. Later her family moved to Viroqua, where Swanie was an A student and very involved in school activities. During high school, she also worked the counter and soda fountain at Johnson’s Drug Store and was the only employee willing to fish lutefisk out of the barrel. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1955 and went on to attend Vernon County Teacher’s College.

After college, Swanie lived for a short time in Minneapolis, working for Honey Well. She returned to Viroqua where she met the love of her life, Melvin “Jack” Kingslien, at the FS Feed Mill where she worked as a bookkeeper. They married on July 12th, 1958, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua; and the city girl became a farmer. Swanie was an active partner on the farm – milking, driving tractor, working the fields. She and Jack proudly operated a successful dairy herd of registered Guernsey cows. Together they won numerous awards for outstanding milk quality and superior genetics. Their stock was so outstanding that they had several sire daughters that were featured by Accelerated Genetics – a Wisconsin based farmers’ cooperative that provides genetic information world-wide. The farm was also featured in Hoards Dairyman, a national dairy farm magazine. Swanie and Jack farmed together for over 50 years. Following Jack’s death, Swanie continued to maintain and manage all aspects of the farm for a number of years. The farm proudly remains in the family.

Swanie was not only a dairy farmer, she was an adventurous and versatile woman. She was a mother; the backbone of her family. She was a member of the Homemakers club. She enjoyed the Ridge Runners Snowmobile club; and even won a few races! She was active in church circle, and, delighted in day trips on the motorcycle with Jack. In her later years, she travelled with her family to Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago, and numerous trips to Colorado. Swanie was fearless – at the age of 84 she conquered rapids while white water rafting. Her favorite place was Esofea Gardens where she soaked in the beauty, drank rumchata, and enjoyed the company of her dear friends Joe and Cindy.

Swanie lived a full life and had many connections to friends and family. At the last urgent care visit, for the second time in her life, rescue measures were unexpectedly needed to be performed and were successful. This provided a bonus day where so many loved ones surrounded Swanie in whatever way they could, shared their love, and said their goodbyes. Swanie was able to look at each one and smile in greeting and parting.

Survivors include two daughters, Sarah (Dan) Havens of La Crosse, WI and Kay (Stuart) Getter of Viroqua; five grandchildren, Lucas (Angela) Keenan of Hager City, WI, Alissa Keenan of Madison, Lance Keenan of Highbridge, WI, Lee Dunnum of Fairplay, CO, and Tyler Havens of Cottage Grove, MN; seven great-grandchildren, Rylee Dunnum of Denver, CO, Bauer Dunnum of Fairplay, CO, Cole, Ali, and Jake Keenan of Hager City, WI, Annie and Charlee Keenan of Highbridge, WI; her sister, Ingrid Mahan of Viroqua; sister-in-law, Evelyn Lepke of Chaseburg, WI; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Swanie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack Kingslien; daughter, Ann Marie Keenan; two sons in infancy, Melvin and Alan; son-in-law, Matthew Keenan; brother-in-law, Larry Mahan; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Buster Weber; and brother-in-law, Mike Lepke.

A funeral service for Swanie will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Christopher Rajkumar will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Belgium Ridge Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church fellowship hall. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Memorials suggested for Good Lutheran Church-Viroqua, Maplewood Terrace -Viroqua, Vernon Health Foundation or Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Swanie’s family would like to thank her friends and staff at Maplewood Terrace in Viroqua where she spent her last years. You truly were a second family to our mom. Special thanks to her special friends, Bonnie (Schultz) Niedfeldt, Nancy Ekern; the staff of Vernon Health and Gundersen Clinic; and her church family.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Swanie's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100