Susie Z. Swiderski

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Swiderski, Susie Z. 96, passed away in her sleep January 13, 2017 at the Mille Lacs Health Care System, Onamia MN. She was born January 3, 1921 in Gary Indiana to John Zagaros and Mary Remeta Zagaros. Preceded in death by husband of over 70 years Steve; her parents; siblings Julia Haglin, George Zagaros, John Zagaros, Ann Zagaros; Mary Zagaros; niece Donna Seim Bish; niece Sandy Farley; and nephew Jerry Zagaros. Susie was head waitress at the Court Bar and Restaurant (named of its close proximity to the Minneapolis Court House) in downtown Minneapolis for 25 years. When the location was moved to the WCCO Radio building on 7th Street and 2nd Avenue South, she became friends with the WCCO personalities in the building. Susie's pride and joy was her vegetable garden and she would oftentimes bring them fresh "goodies" or canned items from her prized garden (at one time a head of cabbage weighed 15 pounds). Susie and Steve operated a dairy farm southwest of Onamia, working long hours. Their passion for music and playing for others at dances carried into the evening hours after long days in the fields. She played the saxophone alongside husband Steve on the concertina in their 8-piece Star Orchestra formed in the mid-40's. The music was patterned after Frankie Yankovic, "America's Polka King" who became one of their closest friends over the years. Many enjoyed dancing to their oldtime rhythms through the decades and many friends were also made along the way. She is survived by daughters Carol Ann Thomas of Dana Point CA, Nancy Keyes of Edina MN; grandson Chad; brother-in-law Joe (Elaine) Swiderski of Brownsville TX; sister-in-law Stella Forsberg of Rancho Cordova CA; along with many nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews; and great great nephew. Many thanks to Dr. Tom Bracken and head nurse Janell Holmquist, along with all the other attentive nurses and staff at the Mille Lacs Health Care System in Onamia for their loving care of Susie. Susie and her family appreciated it very much. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, June 11, at the Onamia Minnesota Vet's Club, 38692 US Highway 169, Onamia, MN from 1-4 pm. All are welcome.

Published on April 24, 2017