Calvin T "Cal" Swenson

Calvin T "Cal" Swenson

November 23, 1986 - April 02, 2024

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Obituary

MC FARLAND - Calvin Thomas “Cal” Swenson, age 37, of McFarland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. He was born on Nov. 23, 1986, in Madison, the son of Eric and Traci (Tippins) Swenson.


Cal graduated from Abundant Life Christian School in 2005. He was a member of the McFarland United Church of Christ.


Cal was the proud owner of Cal's Custom Tree Care. He found brotherhood and friendships through work which he held very dearly. He will be fondly remembered for his stories and for being one of the best tree climbers around. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, camping, hiking, climbing, traveling, gardening and reading. He especially loved spending time with his daughter.


Calvin had a passion for making life more vibrant for Adelynn through exploring the world together and igniting curiosity about the world around her. Whether by helping her put a nose in a book or getting out and catchin’ a snake with a new friend in Tennessee, he wanted her to take life by the horns, leading by example. Together, they went ice skating, swimming, spelunking, and even golfing. There was a never-ending supply of adventures to be adventured, and he loved her immensely.


Calvin is survived by his parents, Eric and Traci; daughter, Adelynn Jane Swenson; sister, Emily Swenson; brother, Nicholas (Bree) Swenson; niece, Harlow Swenson; and significant other, Heather Blackmore. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.


A funeral service will be held at MC FARLAND UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5710 Anthony St., McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, with Bryan Sirchio presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday, April 10th.


In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be greatly appreciated.


A special thanks to the church where Calvin and Adelynn shared memories, community, and Adelynn’s favorite - bread.


The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Cal’s brothers beyond blood: Reon Rounds, Forrester Barry, David Moore, Jeff Albertini, and John Farkas. “From root to crown, & bringing ‘em down” - tough tree work transformed into immense pride and stories that can’t be forgotten.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

09
Visitation
Tue Apr 9, 2024 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
McFarland United Church of Christ • 5710 Anthony Street, Mc Farland, WI 53558
Get Directions
10
Visitation
Wed Apr 10, 2024 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
McFarland United Church of Christ • 5710 Anthony Street, Mc Farland, WI 53558
Get Directions
10
Funeral Service
Wed Apr 10, 2024 @ 11:00 AM CDT
McFarland United Church of Christ • 5710 Anthony Street, Mc Farland, WI 53558
Get Directions

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Memories

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DM
David Moore
Other •
I look at this photo and all I can hear is Calvin’s unique laugh. The type of laugh that makes the entire room light up. Calvin and I met each other through the tree world. He was the best climber I have ever seen. Every time we worked together (tree work is not work. It’s our version of adult playtime) he amazed me with his skills and passion for what he does. The smile Calvin had with his friends or family will be missed. If he drove past you on his motorcycle you know what I mean. I love you buddy.
JP
Jami Page
Other •
I remember coming to WI to visit everyone when I was like 13. We were all at a park for a picnic reunion and there were tons of bees! Everyone had gotten up to get away from them except Calvin. I can still picture him clearly sitting at the picnic table all by himself surrounded by yummy food looking so cute and being such a sweetie pie.
SB
Scott Bockover
Other •
Enjoying many Canadian fishing trips with Calvin and family provided my family with wonderful memories. Light hearted, always having fun, and a laugh that just made you feel good. You could tell he had a passion for the great outdoors, discovery and adventure every time you spoke to him. Unique perspectives, always curious and willing to share in conversation was appreciated and enjoyed. His free spirit, kind heart, and a genuine laugh you can't forget made our time with Calvin special. Not all who wader are lost....it just takes them longer to get back to the fish camp! So many fun times and great memories we will cherish forever. Thank you for being in our lives and forever in our hearts.
MS
Martha Siravo
Other •
Having known Calvin for a very short time, I was absolutely inspired by his love for his daughter, his dedication to his work, and his beautiful soul. I am part of a local group in Madison- Madtown Mommas & Disability Advocates where we work with parents needing support with special education needs/etc. where I spent many hours getting to know him, what he was advocating for, and his message to the world. I asked one time what his message would be if he wanted to be part of education advocacy in Wisconsin, and his reply was similar to "I want people to just show love to each other". Simple words, powerful message. It was an honor to have worked alongside Cal & to see his passion.
K
Kathleen
Other •
We loved/love Calvin. This is a tragic loss and offer you heartfelt sympathy. the Corrells
JO
John Obst
Other •
Who ever heard of a tree service company going door-to-door to promote their work? Well, that was how we first met Cal. He so impressed me with this genuine approach, and the confidence and competence he displayed, that we became long-term clients. And friends. Cal was quite the conversationalist and always eager to learn. One regret is that I never got to give him that tutorial on lignin function and chemistry. (In case you’re wondering, the word lignin comes from the Latin Lignum which means tree.) Cal was fascinated by the fact that if the biopolymer lignin never existed there would be no trees or woody plants. I always thought that having Cal do my tree work was a bargain. Of course, at the end of a job, I’d offer a tip. Cal would always refuse it. So, we played a little game. After hearing his reluctance to a tip, I would tell him that he had to take it. I’d say to Cal, it wasn’t for him, rather it was to go to Adelynn. And that was that! My friend, you will be missed. - John & Barbara Obst

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