Thelma Lee Day Swistak, age 92, passed away at Taylor Park on November 9, 2009. She was born in Crandon, Wisconsin on June 7, 1917, to Clifton and Mary Angeline (Sipple) Day. Thelma graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1936. She married Peter William Swistak on September 16, 1939, in Chicago, IL. They moved to Rhinelander in 1948. Thelma was a woman full of love for her family and friends, content with what she had, accepting of God's direction for her, and passionate about life. She enjoyed playing games, especially card games. She had a very competitive spirit. She loved making crafts which she shared with everyone she met. She traveled most of the U.S. visiting family. She also toured Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe. She seldom missed a performance or sporting event her grandchildren were part of. Her great-grandson Shawn brightened her days the past few years keeping her entertained whenever he visited. Thelma was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was very active in PTA and participated in Stunt Night. From 1952 until the local chapter of Rebekah's dissolved, she took an active part, including serving as Noble Grand. She was an active volunteer for the Logging Museum and was a commissioner on the Board for the Rhinelander Housing Authority. She worked as a cleaning lady at cottages and was a custodian at RHS for over 20 years. Thelma is survived by her daughter, Kay and special son-in-law, Wayne Olson of Rhinelander; granddaughters, Stacey Willis of Oscelo, WI and April (Rob) Denis of Rhinelander; grandsons, Scott Willis of Corpus Christi, TX and Brent Olson of Rhinelander; great grandchildren, David Willis, Katelyn Willis, and Shawn Denis; a sister, Lucy Larsen of Tucson, AZ; sisters-in-law, Dotty Hasselquist of Rhinelander, Georgia Day of Marshfield, and Joan Swistak of Rio Hondo, TX; her God-daughter and niece, Varley Hermansen of Olathe, KS; and many other special nieces and nephews. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Pete, daughter, Lucille (Bob) Willis, her parents, three sisters, four brothers, two step-sisters, two step-brothers, one half-sister, and one half-brother. Memorial services for Thelma will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Neal-Niese officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 2 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the church. Inurnment will be in Northland Memorial Park. Carlson Funeral Home (369-1414 / www.carlsonfh.com) is assisting Thelma's family with arrangements. "The family extends their gratitude to everyone who's cared for our loved one during her years at Taylor Park. Your gentle and kind attention helped her to get the most out of her final years after she could no longer care for herself. You are very special people and we thank you for your dedication."
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