Russell Swenson

Russell Glenn Swenson was born July 28, 1927 to Chester and Ragna (Haraldson) Swenson in Luverne, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Rose Dell Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm in Rock County Minnesota and received his education at country school. He then helped farm until February 15, 1946 when he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. During the war, he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne in Germany. He was honorably discharged on August 15, 1947. Russell returned to Luverne and joined the Army National Guard. He was united in marriage to Jeane (Shoebotham) Swenson on January 13, 1951 at the Bethany Lutheran Church parsonage in Luverne. Their union was blessed with four children and 62 years of marriage together. While yet a newlywed, he was deployed and called to service in the Korean Conflict on January 16, 1951 and was stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama. When he returned, the couple made their home and raised their family in Luverne, Minnesota. Russell worked in construction and later worked as the Rock County Road Supervisor. He retired in May of 1993. Russell was diagnosed September of 2013 with lung cancer and congestive heart failure. On Saturday, December 21, 2013 he died at his home with his beloved bride by his side at the age of 86 years.

Russell was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. He was active in the life of the congregation serving as a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and church treasurer. He was a member of the Rock County VFW and Last Man’s Club of Luverne. He enjoyed raising horses, square dancing, wood working, and especially time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Russell will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jeane of Luverne; his four children, Debbie (and Ron) Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, Nancy (and Bob) TerWee of Sioux Falls, SD, Kathie (and Dave) Bush of Eau Claire, WI, and Dave (and Angie) Swenson of Sioux Falls, SD; eight grandchildren, Casey TerWee (and fianc Miranda Miller), Corey (and Sarah) TerWee, Sarah Anderson, Hilary (and Steve) Mayne, Annie (and Mike) Moldstad, Chris Vickery, Mollie Anderson, and Jamie Vickery; three great-grandchildren, Sean Oromo, Aleah TerWee, and Kennerly Anderson; siblings, Verna (and Wallace) Schmuck of Luverne, MN, Dale (and Marilyn) Swenson of Luverne, MN; a sister-in-law, Shirley Swenson of Jasper, MN; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ragna; brothers, Kenny (and Betty) Swenson, and Lester Swenson. Blessed be his memory.