Dana Kathleen Schwalen

Following a severe stroke, Dana "Kathe" Schwalen, 78, passed away on January 31, 2026. She departed this life surrounded by her family's love. Kathe was born on August 15, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Neal and Dana Davis. In 1948, her family moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, and later to Forest City in 1955, where she spent most of her childhood. She graduated from Forest City High School in 1965 and went on to attend Briar Cliff College for two years. In 1968, she moved to Minneapolis, beginning a new chapter that would shape the life she built there. She married Jim Mason, and together they raised three daughters who remained the center of her world. In the mid-1980s, Kathe earned her Medical Assistant certificate and a decade later continued her education, completing both her bachelor and master degrees from Concordia University. This education served her well during her career at Partners in Pediatrics where she held multiple roles over 30 years. She ultimately retired in 2013 as Clinic Manager. Her professionalism, compassion, and steady presence left a lasting impact on countless families and colleagues. In 1995, she met David Schwalen. They married in 1999 and shared more than 25 years of a life built on love, partnership, and companionship. Kathe was a lifelong reader and was rarely without a book. She loved cooking for the people she cared about, decorating her home with warmth and intention, and tending to her plants and garden with patience and pride. Thanksgiving held a special place in her heart. She delighted in preparing a beautiful table and welcoming her family with the generosity and care that defined her. Kathe was preceded in death by her parents, Neal and Dana Davis. She is survived by her husband, David Schwalen; her daughters Heather (Jim) Czajkowski, Jennifer (Rick) Davidson, and Kristin (Matt) Copley; and her stepson Jason (Liz) Schwalen. She was a devoted grandmother to Matthew (Madisyn), Evan, Carter, Gabrielle (Will), Mallory (Rohan), Cooper, Katherine, Cason, Zevry, Abby, Daniel, Sammy and was looking forward to welcoming her first great-grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings Madonna (Jim) Haigh, Dan (Sheila) Davis, Pat (Tamara) Davis, and Mark (Jennifer) Davis. A memorial service will be held at Washburn-McReavy Robbinsdale Chapel, 4239 West Broadway, Robbinsdale, on February 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Stroke Association or the Como Park Conservatory c/o Como Friends.

Tributes

Dana Kathleen Schwalen

August 15, 1947 - January 31, 2026

Tributes

Dana Kathleen Schwalen

August 15, 1947 - January 31, 2026

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