Edna was born October 1, 1910 in New Richmond, WI. She lived on a farm at Boardman, WI with her parents, August and Hulda (Roeske) Swanke and three siblings, Alvin, Elmer, and Lois until she was six years old. The family then moved to a farm NE of Lakota, ND, known as the “Big Farm”. Edna was educated in the Lakota Public School where she graduated in 1929. Following graduation she attended Minot Teachers College. She taught school in Mapes, Nelson County, ND, and in Walsh, Ramsey, Traill, and Cass County schools in ND. She taught Special Education in West Fargo, ND for 10 ½ years. She retired in 1975. Edna married Lawrence Haverluck in 1939. He died in 1967 as a result of open heart surgery. Edna married Henry Meske in Minot in 1979. Henry had a hearing aid business and was a retired minister. He was active as a supply minister in Minot and the surrounding area. Henry died in 1988. Edna moved back to Fargo where she became reacquainted with some of her old friends and found new ones to especially play cards (bridge). Edna moved to Lakota Prairie Rose in April 2002. She moved to the Lakota Good Samaritan Center in November 2004. That became her home and the staff and residents became her family.

Edna is survived by three nieces, Lynda Swanke of Kent, WA, Eleanor Swanke of Culver, IN, and Audrey Swanke of Lakota, ND; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her brothers, Alvin “A.E.” and Elmer; her sister, Lois Wright; her nephews, John Wright, John, Harry, and Donovan Swanke; and nieces, Jacqueline Ettl and Sonia Orseth.

The Memorial Service for Edna will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. Music will be provided by Jason Flom. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service