September 27, 1926 – July 18, 2024
Josephine was born in rural Polk County, Nebraska to Joseph and Rocelia Swanson. Her father died when she was four years-old, leaving her mother with three small children to raise. One child, Bennie, was a polio victim and died at age 11. It was an improvised childhood. She graduated from high school at Prairie Country School, riding a horse to school most of the time with her brother David. If one horse couldn’t make it, Josephine and David would double-up and ride one horse.
She entered St. Francis School of Nursing in 1944 as a World War II Cadet Nurse in Grand Island, Nebraska. Josephine graduated and received her RN license. Nursing was her true professional calling. Jo was a nurse anesthetist in her early career.
She met her husband at a nurse/fraternity dance at the University of Nebraska. Jo married Arthur Struempler at Swede Home Lutheran Church, Swede Home Nebraska, in 1950. The marriage was blessed and lasted 54-years. She supported the family as an RN while her husband attended graduate school in Lincoln, Nebraska and Ames, Iowa.
The family moved to Chadron, Nebraska in 1965. Jo continued with her RN career at the Chadron Hospital for 25-years until 1990.
She and her husband relocated to Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1991. During these retirement years, they traveled extensively and enjoyed annual international destinations. She appreciated and sought the treasures of wide-open spaces. Jo was an avid Fairburn agate hunter and gardener. Her garden had many varieties of plants and roses. She hosted the garden club for many years. Josephine was a very loving and caring individual. She had a deep and committed faith in the Lord. Jo relocated to her devoted daughter’s residence in Helena, Alabama in 2023.
She is survived by her daughter Barbara of Helena, Alabama; son Michael of Ft. Collins, Colorado; granddaughter Lauren (Chad) Schmidt of Helena, Alabama; three great-grandchildren plus many nieces, nephews and friends. Her husband Arthur and brother David Swanson preceded her in death.
A celebration of Josephine’s life is planned for October at Swede Home, Nebraska. Memorials may be made to the Art & Jo Struempler Scholarship Endowment; Chadron State College Foundation; 1000 Main Street; Chadron, NE 69337