Marian J. Swoboda, Ph.D.

Marian Jean Schuelke Swoboda, born in Brigham Township, daughter of the late William and Florence Eveland Schuelke, passed peacefully on November 13, 2013 at Hearthstone Care Center, Woodstock, IL.

She married John J. Swoboda of Madison Wisconsin on August 18, 1949 and made Madison their home until moving to Vermont Twsp.in 1975. Marian and John had a lifelong passion for land preservation and restoration. Maintaining their forestlands fulfilled their love of plantlife, wildlife and the environment.

Marian is a graduate of Madison West High School. She continued on her educational pathway and received her Bachelor's degree in Governmental Institutions and a Masters and Ph.D. degree in Business and Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin. In 1967 she held a position as Administrative Assistant, Office of Vice President for Business and Finance. In 1972 she was hired by UW President Weaver to provide leadership for improving and expanding educational and employment opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities. Marian was highly motivated by the goals she believed in and one of these was equity. Many of her publications on women's issues went national and international and she traveled to foreign countries to introduce the achievements made on the University of Wisconsin campuses. She was a member of the teaching faculty of the UW-Madison and Whitewater lecturing on women's studies.

Marian served as chairwoman on Governor Thompson's educational Approval Board and took great pride in the groups achievements. She served as Wisconsin Coordinator for the National American Council on Education and was coordinator for the American council on Education and the National Identification Program for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education Administration, Washington D.C.

TEMPO - Madison was one her favorite professional associations. She was a charter member of Tempo- Madison and enjoyed the interaction with the professional women in this group. Tempo is dedicated to shaping the climate and culture of the community by allowing future generations of women to succeed. TEMPO encourages the advancement of women in business, public service, academia and the arts.

Retirement allowed more time to enjoy her love of travel and dance. After joining the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and after many hours of grueling dance practice she took her skills to Las Vegas to compete in one of the largest dance competitions in U.S. She continued to dance in competitions right up to the time she became ill. Family and friends enjoyed watching her dance and the enthusiasm she displayed for this sport.

Relaxation was never her style so she decided to campaign for the position of Town Clerk of Vermont Township. She was elected to office and served one term and finally had time to ""meet and greet"" her neighbors. She said this office gave her an opportunity to give back and share with her home community the skills that she had been privileged to acquire through extensive public education and public work experience.

Marian is survived by Arlene Engels (late Joseph), Wayne Schuelke (late Phyllis), Carol Wininger (late Gene) and Jane Goebel (Frederick) and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave. Madison, WI. 53705 on November 16, 2013 from 10 until 2PM. Burial will be in the Lake Forest Cemetery following visitation and service.