A memorial service for Sharon Rae Swanson was held Saturday, April 22, 2000, at 11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Manning, Iowa. Reverend Larry McAlpine officiated the service with Carolyn Miller as vocalist and JoAnn Karsten as organist. A memorial service was also held on Monday, April 24, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Covenant Church in Mason City, Iowa. Ohde Funeral Home in Manning was in charge of arrangements.

Sharon Rae, daughter of Edward and Gertrude (Farley) Niederfrank, was born May 19, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa. At age five, her mother was united in marriage with Hugo Dammann. After living a short time in Aspinwall, Iowa, they moved to Manning, Iowa, where Sharon attended school, graduating from Manning High School in 1959.

Following graduation, Sharon moved to San Diego, California, where she attended business college.

On October 5, 1971, Sharon was united in marriage with Allen J. Swanson in Whittier, California, where they raised their two daughters, Kristine and Stacy. Sharon and Allen lived in California for nearly twenty-five years before moving to Joice, Iowa. Sharon was a loving wife and mother. She was a member of First Covenant Church in Mason City, Iowa, and Auxiliary of Gideon's International. She was a private pilot and also actively volunteered for Mercy Foundation in Mason City. Her other activities and interests included being a beauty control consultant, sport fishing and decorating.

Sharon died as a result of an automobile accident near Evanston, Wyoming, on Wednesday, April 19, 2000, at the age of 58 years and 11 months.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents and her mother-in-law, Jane Swanson.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Dr. Allan J. Swanson of Joice; two daughters: Kristine Swanson of Mentone, California; and Stacy and her husband, Jerry Moore, of Casper, Wyoming; two grandchildren, Chandler and Travis Moore, of Casper, Wyoming; mother and stepfather, Gertrude and Hugo "Shorty" Dammann of Manning; father and stepmother, Edward and Fern Niederfrank of San Diego, California; sister, Dorthie "Dottie" and her husband, Bob Schiltz of Manning; two brothers, Robbie Dammann and his wife, Cathy, of Manning and Rickie Dammann and his special friend, Sheryl Benews; Joel Schiltz, KaDee Schiltz. Shelby Dammann, Caylee Dammann, Breana Dammann and Evan Dammann; father-in-law John Swanson of Overland Park, Kansas; two brothers-in-law, Robert and John Swanson; and other relatives and many friends.