Melvin Swenson, 98
Melvin Leonard Swenson, 98, died July 1, 2010 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.
Melvin Leonard Swenson, 98, died July 1, 2010 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.
Melvin was born in Ben Wade Township, Pope County, on December 10, 1911, the son of Frank and Minnie (Moberg) Swenson. He was baptized at Norunga Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church. Melvin attended country schools and grew to manhood on the home farm.
Melvin worked in the Twin Cities for a short time before moving back to Pope County, where he began farming. He met his future wife, Gladys Rosby, at a church function and they were united in marriage at Nora Lutheran Church on June 9, 1951. The couple recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.
The couple farmed in Pope County for 22 years and were members of Norunga Lutheran Church. They retired and moved to Alexandria in 1972. They became members of Calvary Lutheran Church.
Melvin enjoyed farming. He loved the country life and enjoyed seeing the fruits of his labor turn into crops at the end of the summer. He also enjoyed fishing and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys Swenson of Alexandria; daughters, Fern Swenson of Bismarck, North Dakota and Irene and Richard Kracht of Monticello, Iowa; grandchildren, Justin and Manuela “Alba” Kracht of Temple, Texas and Mindy and Bill LeGrand of Moscow, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Fernando Kracht, Alexia Kracht, Violet LeGrand, Gage LeGrand and Dallas LeGrand; and his sister, Genevieve Backlund of Alexandria.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter Swenson, Floyd Swenson, Arnold Swenson, Alvin Swenson and Clarence Swenson; and sisters, Alice Melchior, Ruth Quitney, Evelyn Farland and Agnes Flack.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 3 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Mark Astrup officiating. Music was provided by Sandy Buckner and Ralph Tillitt. Interment was at Norunga Lutheran Cemetery in Ben Wade Township, Pope County with Jim Dyrdahl, Roger Rosby, Paul Hagestuen and Richard Kracht serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Swenson and Justin Kracht.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
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Tags: melvin swenson, obituaries, swenson
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