Genevieve Swike

Genevieve Swike, age 92, of Barnesville, Minnesota died Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the Lake Region Health Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Genevieve was born May 20, 1920 in her parents home in Everdell, Minnesota the daughter of Ernest and Susan (Watson) Messer, Sr. She grew up and attended school in Breckenridge, Minnesota and graduated in 1939. Genevieve worked in a restaurant in Foxhome, where she met her husband, Leon. Leons brother had a farm south of Foxhome where he worked. The couple married in Breckenridge on January 16, 1942. Gen and Leon moved to Barnesville and in 1947 Gen bought the Tiny Dress Shop from Mrs. Eddie Swensrud, then started Swikes Style Shop. In 1959 Gen and Leon purchased the building located at 210 Front Street for a new store. Gen was manager, bookkeeper, janitor, buyer and seller for Swikes Style Shop. Her specialty was her gift wrapping netting over colorful paper and lots of flowers and ribbons. These gifts were known as Oh, theyve been to Gens. Gen volunteered hundreds of hours organizing parades, crazy days, Memorial Day and the kiddie parade during Potato Days. I love a parade , Gen would say. Gen was a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion Auxiliarys. Gen was also a member of Assumption Catholic Church. Gen is survived by her brother, Merhle (Patricia) Messer of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and sister, Joyce Smith of Anoka, Minnesota. Gen had many nieces and nephews who all loved her. Gen had a special friend and neighbor, Mary Ann Scheffler. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon; brothers, Ernest Jr. and Jon Jack and sisters, Lucille and Laurene. Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville, Minnesota. Visitation: Will be held on Wednesday at the Dobmeier Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service and will resume one hour prior to services in the church. Interment: St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Barnesville, Minnesota The Dobmeier Funeral Home of Barnesville is assisting the family with arrangements.