Genevieve G. Swenson

BLOOMINGTON, MINN./STOUGHTON, WIS.-Genevieve G. (Gustafson) Swenson, age 94, formerly of Bloomington, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Stoughton, Wis. She was born on May 24, 1921, in Elbow Lake, the daughter of the Rev. Oscar O. and Hildur (Lindberg) Gustafson. She grew up in Alexandria, attended Luther College in Wahoo, Neb. , and graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill. Gen taught high school music, directing high school choirs in Red Oak, Iowa and Alexandria. She married John W. Swenson on Aug. 29, 1948, in Alexandria. They lived in Fergus Falls, where she directed church choirs at Augustana Lutheran Church and was active in community organizations. Gen was a talented musician, pianist, community volunteer and storyteller. She was the consummate hostess, opening her home to family and friends. Gen kept young family members rapt with stories growing up in small-town Minnesota. She was active in P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization. In 1986, Gen and John retired to Bloomington, where they enjoyed an active life with family, friends, Minnesota orchestra concerts and Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church. She came to live with her daughter, Lisa, and family in Stoughton, Wis., in 2011. Gen is survived by her sons, Peter (Mary Jo) and Paul; daughter, Lisa (Gary) Stout; grandchildren, Rachel (Doug) Miller, Ashley (Stephen) Christian, Paige Coletti, Shea Swenson, Genevieve and Harley Stout; great-grandson, Duke Miller; nieces and nephews, Louise Thoreson, Bob and Linnea Lindquist, Jane Tofell, Tom, Paula, Mark, Randy, Rev. Scott Gustafson, Susan Edwards, Dr. Ben and Peter Leadholm, Mary Rodriguez and Sara Leadholm; and sisters-in-law, Charlotte and Virginia Gustafson. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; and siblings, Marion Lindquist, Oscar Gustafson, Rev. Emil Gustafson and C. Verner Gustafson. A memorial service will be held at MT. OLIVET LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5025 Knox Ave. S, Minneapolis, at 4 p.m., on Monday, June 27, 2016. Interment will be at OAK GROVE CEMETERY in Fergus Falls. Special thanks to Jane Snowden, Sue, Ann, Jody and Lisa who provided friendship and care while she lived in Stoughton. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson (608)873-4590