Emily A. Swenson, 85, Brantwood

Emily A. Swenson, age 85, of Brantwood, WI, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at her
home, under the care of Harold and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Emily was born on
December 31, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to the late Anton and Theresa (Obadal) Stratil. At the age of
one, she moved with her family to Catawba, WI, where she spent her childhood and attended
grade school. She later graduated from Phillips High School and went on to live in Milwaukee,
WI, for two years. In 1972, Emily met the love of her life, Harold Swenson. The couple was
united in marriage on October 27, 1972, and shared 54 wonderful years together. Though they
were not blessed with children due to health challenges, Emily and Harold shared their love
generously with their four Godchildren, Diane Phillips, Neil Raleigh, Danielle Lashua, and Jacob
Bandura, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Emily was a hardworking and independent woman throughout her life. She held various
positions over the years including working at Briggs & Stratton, driving school bus, working at a
mink ranch, and later at Marquip. She also owned Emily’s Highway 8 Bar/Restaurant, where
she built many lasting friendships. An avid outdoorswoman, Emily was especially proud of her
skills as a hunter, successfully hunting deer, bear, turkey, and partridge. She found great joy in
the outdoors through camping and fishing. Emily also enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, playing
softball, and playing dice. Affectionately known as “Auntie Em” by those who loved her, Emily
had a warm and lively spirit. She took great pride in her home and hobbies, especially her rose
garden and vegetable garden. She was well known for her homemade garlic dill pickles and also
grew grapes, raspberries, and strawberries, and raised over 100 rabbits for meat over the years.
A unique collector, she had a fondness for owls with a collection of over 100.
Survivors include her husband, Harold “Swen” Swenson; her brother, Tony (Shirley) Stratil; her
sister, Rosemary Raleigh; her sister-in-law, Genny Stratil; her nephews, Dan (Lori) Stratil, David
Stratil, Neil (Karla) Raleigh, and Dale (Kim) Stratil; and her nieces, Nancy (Jim) Otto, Diane
(Todd) Phillips, and Jane (Kevin) Odberg. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and
Theresa; her in-laws, Juel and Ruth Swenson; her brother, Stanley Stratil; and her brother-in-
law, David Raleigh.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Generations Funeral Home, at
11:00 AM. Father Lourdu Raju is officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from
9:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is
assisting the family. You may view Emily’s obituary and leave online condolences at
generationsfuneral.com.