Eila Kaarina Swedburg's Obituary
Eíla Kaarina Swedburg, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
Kaarina was born on April 25, 1942, in Kauhajoki, Finland, to Liisa (Kuisma) Kiuru and Johannes Kiuru. She trained as a nurse in Finland, a profession that reflected her lifelong commitment to caring for others. As a young woman, she immigrated to the United States, where she continued her nursing career in Wisconsin and Hawaii before eventually settling in Nebraska.
Kaarina lived for many years in Woodbine, Iowa, and later in Omaha, Nebraska, building a life grounded in faith and family. In recent years, she resided in Gunnison, Colorado, before moving to Utah in the summer of 2025 to be closer to her son and his family. Though her immediate family lived in the United States, a piece of her heart always remained in Finland, a place she cherished throughout her life.
Her faith was central to her life. Raised in the Lutheran tradition, she was married in Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church in Omaha, attended St. Vincents of Lenins Orthodox Church (Western Rite) for many years, and remained deeply devoted to her spiritual life.
She is survived by her husband, Kenner Swedburg; her son, Tony Swedburg; her daughter-in-law, Kate Swedburg; and her beloved grandchildren, Esa, Eila, and Lyydia Swedburg. Her siblings also survive her: brothers Yrjö, Kyösti (Marita), Pekka, and Ossi Kiuru (Leena), and her sister Seija Oilimo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Alpo Kiuru and Lasse Kiuru; and her sisters Onerva Ruastila and Marta Hannola.
A funeral service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church. Service details will be held at St. James Episcopal Church on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 pm MST.
What’s your fondest memory of Eila?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eila?
Share a story where Eila's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eila you’ll never forget.
How did Eila make you smile?