Rebecca "Becky" Swiggum

With the heaviest of hearts we mourn the passing of our beautiful, brown-eyed Becky.  She passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 16 and in her passing was able to directly save four other lives because of her own selfless decision to be an organ donor.  Becky gifted her lungs to a 62 yr. old man, she gifted her left kidney to a 73 yr. old, her right kidney to a 64 yr. old and her liver to a 65 yr old man.  On top of those amazing gifts, she will also help save many lives through gifting her ovaries and spleen to research.  Becky's Donate Life flag will fly outside the St. Cloud Hospital in her honor for the next two days.  Among all of her other achievements in life, this is one of her greatest.

We are mourning our great loss but we know that Becky is watching over us all, esp. her son, Jameson, from the Kingdom of Heaven.  She is now at peace with God and we are so proud to call her ours.  If you have memories or pictures of her, feel free to share them.  We find comfort in talking about her and thinking about her infectious laugh, big smile and beautiful soul.

Celebration of Life

With her big, beautiful brown eyes, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Ann began charming her family the minute she was born. She was welcomed into the family on June 22, 1988 by her parents, Jim and Lori (Roy) Quistorff and big brother, Billy. When her younger sister, Jacque was born, she became the dynamic ‘not to be forgotten’ middle child.  Growing up in Osakis, Becky first attended St. Agnes Parochial School where she enjoyed the opportunity to be front and center in concerts, pageants, and school performances. While at Osakis High School, Becky showed her talents as a three-sport athlete, being active in multiple student activities and as an honor roll student. She graduated with the Class of 2006. Becky attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and later enrolled at the Mayo School of Health Sciences, completing their Radiography program. On June 14th, 2014 Becky married Charles Swiggum in Osakis, MN and became the proud mother of a son she named Jameson. At the peak of her career, Becky was managing the Imaging Department at Tri-State Brain and Spine Clinic in Alexandria, both getting it accredited and writing the company’s Mission Statement.

Becky had a confidence that put people at ease and a braveness that went unmatched. She loved fishing and was famous for her award-winning Chicken Wild Rice soup. She thrived during competitive sports and board games and was a huge football fan and supporter.  Movies were another favorite past time. Hours were spent with Jameson by her side watching many Disney classics, but she was also an expert on all movie genres and able to recite ‘catch phrases’ like no one else. She was especially proficient at bantering them back and forth with her brother.  Becky and her mom both had a love for music, finding joy and comfort in a well performed song. Spending time with family and continuing holiday and summer celebrations at the family cabin were a must. We will miss her show-stopping smile and infectious laughter, which was quick to burst into the famous family snort. She will be remembered as being the talkative and funny life of the party.

In keeping with Becky’s loving and generous spirit, it was her decision to be an organ donor so that others may live.  The family suggests charitable donations be given to LifeSource, 2550 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN in her honor.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband and son, Charlie and Jameson Swiggum of Sauk Rapids; her parents, Jim and Lori Quistorff of Osakis; brother, Bill & Abby Quistorff of Long Prairie; sister, Jacque & Andy Burnes of Rochester; her precious nephews, Smash and Stone Quistorff; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Becky is proceeded in death by a brother, Samuel Quistorff and her grandparents, Wilson ‘Bill’ and Mary Roy and Orville and Thelma Quistorff.

Funeral services are Sat., May 22 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Osakis with Fr. Greg Paffel officiating.  Musicians are Laurie Youngers and Erin Takle. Interment is at the Calvary Cemetery with Fr. David Petron. Pall bearers are Billy Quistorff, Andy Burnes, Pat Swiggum, Ben Geones, Drew Wright and Jake Lindsey.

Support Donations to honor Becky for her son, Jameson ( organized by his Aunt Jacqueline Burnes)

I thought you might be interested in supporting this GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/15d1c7e7  Even a small donation could help reach the fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.  Thanks for taking a look!  Jacque Burnes