Leo Swenson

LEO EDWIN ROGER SWENSON was born to Edwin and Magna (Haraldson) Swenson on February 19, 1932 in Rock County, Minnesota. He was raised on the farm and attended country school through the eighth grade. Following his high school graduation, Leo was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a MP during the Korean War. Leo was honorably discharged on March 31, 1961 and later decorated with the Purple Heart Medal. He then returned home and enrolled in the agricultural program at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Upon completion of his education, Leo went to work at Golden Rule Construction in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He also continued to farm with his family. Leo later began farming in various places in Rock County, Minnesota with his brother, Larry. On March 19, 1990 Leo was united in marriage to Mary Catherine (McGovern) Barrett at the courthouse in Pipestone, Minnesota. The couple made their home on the farm northwest of Luverne, Minnesota. Leo formally retired from farming in the fall of 2008 but continued to remain active helping out however he could. On Thursday, March 26, 2015 Leo passed away peacefully at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 83 years, 1 month and 7 days.

Leo was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. He enjoyed farming, spending time with his family, and attending flea markets and auctions.

Leo is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Carrie Swenson of Kenneth, Minnesota, Andrew (Cheyenne Denn) Swenson of Luverne, Terry Swenson of Luverne, and Candace Swenson of Luverne; step-son, Devon Barrett of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Brantley and Sophia Swenson; siblings, Cleone (Okie) Honken of Luverne, Larry (Phyllis) Swenson of Luverne, Susan (Milton) Jackson of Sioux Falls, and Roger (Linda) Swenson of Norfolk, Nebraska; two brothers-in-law, Ray Reker of Sioux Falls and Dale Hamann of Luverne; his mother-in-law, Goldie McGovern of Sioux Falls; his wife’s siblings, Tom McGovern and Jerry McGovern of Sioux Falls, and Patricia Calkins of Troutdale, Oregon; his special friends, Leland Jensen of Pipestone, Thomas Baustian of Luverne, Willard Gath of Grand Junction, Colorado, and John Buss of Michigan; several nieces, nephews, other family and his dog, Baby. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mardella Hansen, MaryAnn Hamann, Leone Reker and Norma Swenson; and infant twin brothers.