Margaret M. Swenson

Margaret Mae Swenson was born on May 24, 1941 to Harry and Margaret (Dohlman) Smith on a farm north of Hardwick.  She attended 1^st grade at Hardwick School, 2^nd and 3^rd grades at District 75, and finished her schooling at Magnolia Public School, graduating in 1959 with honors as Valedictorian.  After high school, Margaret spent the summer in Colorado Springs, Colorado before returning to work for Dr. Robert Keitel.  September 10, 1960, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Swenson.  The couple moved to a farm northeast of Luverne and Margaret focused on helping Bob on the farm and raising their daughters.  In 1984, Margaret began working again, first part time for the Ehde Mink Ranch and then for 22 years at Renfro Variety until the owner passed away.  She retired in 2012 and moved from the farm into Luverne in 2017.  Margaret lost her husband Bob in May of 2023 and on November 29, 2023, at the age of 82 years, 6 months, an 5 days, Margaret passed away peacefully in her home.

Margaret was an active member of the Magnolia Methodist Church and taught Sunday School for many years.  She was also a member and treasurer for the Magnolia Mothers Club.  She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, and reading while inside, and gardening outside.  She grew to embrace technology and loved to talk with her friends on social media.  Margaret is fondly remembered for her friendly, welcoming personality and was always sure to warmly greet those she met.  She believed in strong family values and will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

Margaret is survived by her daughters, Pamela Sue (Cristoph) Lewis of Dayton, Nevada, and Jill Marie Kruger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; brother Harry (Carol) Smith of Slayton, Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Swenson; parents, Harry and Margaret Smith; and siblings Charlotte (Orville) Kuechenmeister, and Georgiana (Leslie) Hoven.