Richard Swenson

Swenson, Richard "Swede" SUN PRAIRIE Richard "Swede" Swenson, age 66, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness. He was born on Sept. 29, 1941, in Madison, the son of Clairmont and Blanche (Hustad) Swenson. Richard graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1959 and attended Stout State University. He was united in marriage to Barbara Holm on Sept. 7, 1968. They would have celebrated their 40th anniversary. Richard was a carpenter, having done his carpenter apprenticeship with Anthony Grignano and Company. He was awarded the Wisconsin Apprentice of the year. He then went to work for the State of Wisconsin, Apprenticeship division. After this, he worked for the University of Wisconsin Physical Plant as a carpenter for 30 years, retiring in 1996. Dick was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and trapshooting. He was also an avid Badgers hockey fan and coached and officiated youth hockey. He enjoyed collecting ducks of all kinds. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, North Bristol Sportsmans Club and the Wisconsin Trappers Association. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; two children, Jeffrey and Jessica Swenson; a brother, Douglas Swenson; two sisters, Sharon (Don) Viken and Sandra Allen; and a brother-in-law, Keith Holm. He is also survived by his furry companions, Tori, Tillie, Deja and Miss Kitty. Richard was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, and also on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church Media Ministry, HospiceCare, or to Dane County Humane Society. "If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; ah yes, those things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My lifes been full, Ive savored much; good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my life seems all to brief; dont lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me free."