JoAnn Swanson was born on November 1, 1940 at her family's home near Marshfield, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Richard and Janet (Ably) Graff. She attended Mannville Country School and graduated from Marshfield High School. She continued her education and was a registered X-ray technician. She was married to Gary Ericson and together they had four children. JoAnn was divorced from her first husband. She later met Marlin Swanson and in August of 1990 they were married.
JoAnn was a member of Sweet Adelines and sang in a quartet for a number of years. JoAnn was very accomplished in the floral business, both in managing a greenhouse and in floral design. She primarily worked at Barron Floral and Greenhouse and at several floral shops in southern Polk County. She had many houseplants of her own and loved gardening. The artistic side of JoAnn was displayed in the many quilts she was a part of making and in the stained glass pieces she made. As a special hobby she enjoyed raising tropical fish. JoAnn has struggled with cancer the past few months. She continued doing the things she loved, even though at times it was difficult. With the help of family, hospice and friends she remained at home until the time of her death on Saturday morning, January 7, 2012 at the age of 71 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister. Left to mourn are her husband Marlin Swanson; children: Scott Ericson, Kim (Mark) Mitchell, Kris (Dean) Ericson-Howe and Todd (Kim) Ericson; step children: Brad (Nancy) Swanson, Pam (Steve) Roehl and Angie Moskal; she also leaves 13 grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends and her special friend, her dog Sugar.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday January 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from First Lutheran Church in Amery. There will be a visitation on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Balsam Lutheran Cemetery.