She was born a twin on April 9, 1944, in Providence, Rhode Island. Dee attended St. Teresa's Elementary and High Schools in Warwick, RI, where she grew up on Curtis Street in the same house throughout her childhood.
Dee met her husband Dwayne at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, where he was stationed with the U.S. Navy. They were married in January 1965. He then uprooted her to the “middle of nowhere,” Nebraska, as she often said, according to her family. The couple lived in Millard for a year before purchasing a home in Manley, NE, where they lived for almost 20 years. In 1984, they bought an acreage outside of Manley, where they would spend the remainder of their lives together. Her husband Dwayne passed away in 2021, and Dee was fortunate to remain on the farm after his passing.
Dee, as she was known to most, had four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years, enjoying raising her children in Manley and sharing coffee mornings with friends. Dee worked at the elevator in Manley alongside her father-in-law as a grain inspector. She also owned a local grocery store and worked at the mini-mart in Louisville, keeping up with all the activities in and around town. During her time in Manley, she served on the school board for many years. After retiring and moving to the farm, Dee and her husband started Switzer Bin & Construction, where she managed the office for several years.
Her time on the farm was filled with chickens, cows, many dogs and cats over the years, and even some adorable baby goats. Big gardens kept her very busy, and she loved camping, fish frys, family gatherings—especially on holidays—and traveling back home to visit her family on the East Coast.
She loved spending time with her grandkids and always supported them in their lives and activities, cheering them on to be their best. She was especially fortunate to have them all close by for most of their lives. Her husband, both her sons and a grandson all served proudly in the military.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, her mother- and father-in-law, and her husband Dwayne. She is survived by her four children: Tim Switzer, Shelly (Pat) Smith, Heidi (Anthony) Warner, and Trevor (Mari) Switzer; nine grandchildren: Justin Switzer, Logan (Stephanie) Smith, Jacqueline (John) Kruse, Abigail (Brody) Drake, Colby Smith, Trenton (McKenzie) Warner, Spencer (Kami) Warner, Trevor, and Nick Switzer; and four great-grandchildren: Karter Switzer, Kyle Switzer, Aubree Kruse, and Emma Switzer. She is also survived by her twin brother Dennis Frazier and his family, and her sister Arline Cahalan and her family, both of Rhode Island. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law Sharon Smith and her brother- and sister-in-law Kenny and Jeanette Luellen.
Dee, our mom, was a fun and funny lady, and we will miss her wit, humor, and smarts terribly. There will be a private family visitation and service in the near future . In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for later designation.
Braman Mortuary and Cremation Services
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