Sherman Noal Swenson

MADISON-Sherman N. Swenson, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018.  He was born on April 5, 1922, in Leland, Iowa, the son of Olaf and Tillie (Tofsrud) Swenson.  Sherman came to Madison with his mother and two sisters in 1926, where he attended Brayton, Doty and Lincoln schools.  He graduated from Central High School in 1941, and left for the service in 1942, serving 39 months in the U.S. Army Air Corps.  Sherman served in the CBI (China, Burma and India) theatre and was discharged in January, 1946.  He met and fell in love with a neighbor girl, Virginia Otto, who became his wife and lifelong partner on June 7, 1947.  Sherman was an independent carpenter/contractor for most of his life and he and his brother-in-law built one of the first houses in Madison after the war.  He was a member of the Catholic Knights Brother 88 and St. Bernard Catholic Church.  Sherman liked to travel and was fortunate to visit his homeland, Norway, with the Friendship Force, as well as a trip back to China with his wife to visit some of the places he had been stationed while in the service.  He was happy that he and Virginia were able to take several wonderful cruises with their lifelong friends, as well as a visit to the Vatican while in Italy.  Most of all, Sherman loved to spend time with his loving family.  Sherman is survived by his loving wife Virginia; four caring children, Steve (Laurie) of Creve Coeur, MO; Sandy (Richard) Eroen of Windsor, Susan Jensen of Windsor Heights, Iowa and Sherri Swenson of Florida; eight loving grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Greg Jensen; a brother; and two sisters.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 21, 2018, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.  Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery with military rites conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or to Rainbow Hospice. The family wishes to thank the staff for the special care he received from Tender Reflections, Rainbow Hospice and the VA Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420