Swenson, Garnett F. (1915-2008)

SWENSON, CRAIN, GUTZ, HILDMAN

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/11/2010 at 16:40:08

Garnett F. Swenson - June 13, 1915 - Jan. 4, 2008

Garnett F. Swenson, age 92, of Storm Lake, and formerly of Strawberry Point, Iowa, died on Friday, January 4, 2008, at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Garnett was born on June 13, 1915, at Fremont, Nebraska, the daughter of Marion and Ida Crain. She graduated from the Stewartsville, Missouri, High School. Following graduation, she worked in St. Joseph, Missouri, and later in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

While living in Minneapolis, she met Alfred Swenson. They were married on June 8, 1940, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Their union was blessed with three children: Tania, Gregory and Gary.

The couple moved to Strawberry Point, Iowa, and established a Western Auto Store. They later owned an International Implement Dealership in Strawberry Point and after selling the business, began farming. In 1961, Alfred and Garnett moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, where they owned and operated a Dairy Queen. They returned to farm in Strawberry Point in 1968. Garnett worked with her husband in all their business endeavors. Alfred and Garnett retired in 1978. They wintered in Arizona for 18 years until health forced them to remain in Iowa. They moved back to Storm Lake in 1994.

Garnett became a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point when the couple moved there following their marriage. After moving to Storm Lake, Garnett became a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church. She was a charter member of the Strawberry Point Lioness Club, a member of Martha Circle and the Friendly Neighbors Club. Garnett’s first love was spending time with and doing things for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to bake, quilt, and do crafts and handiwork of all kinds. She was very active and learned how to swim after retirement. She also learned how to golf at age 70 and enjoyed playing with friends. Al and Garnett also enjoyed traveling after their retirement.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Tania (Dennis) Gutz of Newell, Iowa; Greg (Janet) Swenson of Chesapeake, Virginia; and Gary (Sheila) Swenson of Fairfax Station, Virginia; her grandchildren: Jennifer (John) Hildman of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; John (Dianna) Swenson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Chad (Carolyn) Swenson of Alexandria, Virginia; two great grandchildren: Collin Swenson and Kelsey Hildman; many other cherished relatives and friends.

Garnett was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; her parents, Marion and Ida Crain; and three brothers: Keith, Carl and Covel.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m., also on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at the Strawberry Point Cemetery in Strawberry Point, Iowa. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 7, 2008, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake where the family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Copyright © 2008, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
 

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