Swenson, Arlie (1911-2010)

SWENSON, HANDELAND, KNUTSON, GANDRUP, BROWN

Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 3/10/2010 at 13:13:28

Boeke Funeral Home, Radcliffe, Iowa

Arlie Swenson, age 99, of Story City and formerly of Radcliffe, IA, died on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA.

Arlie Adeline Handeland/Swenson was born February 13, 1911 at the family farm near Ellsworth, Iowa to Bertha Knutson Handeland and Carl Elmer Handeland.

Arlie went home to be with her Lord and Saviour and rejoice with loved ones on February 23,2010 after years of sharing her love and musical talent with many family and friends. She was an Angel sent from God touching many lives with her music and she will be missed more than words can describe.

Services will be at Salem Lutheran Church near Radcliffe, on February 27, 2010 with Pastor Andy Coyle officiating. Visitation will be held prior the funeral service at the church from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery following the service.

Arlie was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Iowa. At age 6, she moved with her parents to a farm near Radcliffe, Iowa where she attended the rural Salem School. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church where she was confirmed and graduated from Radcliffe High School in 1929. She attended the Lutheran Bible School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On September 1, 1931 she was united in marriage to Thelmer Swenson. They made their home near Radcliffe. To this union, three children were born, Elene, DeVon and DeAnn.

She was active in church organizations including the Mission Society, Sunday school, youth groups and church organist for many years. She played for many weddings, funerals and anything that involved music.

She gave piano and organ lessons to young and old. Many people loved coming to her home and gathering around the piano to sing. She touched hearts with her music and always had the coffee pot on for a visit. There was always time for everyone and friends were amazed how she could play the accordion and organ at the same time.

She and Thelmer went on the road to many places, including Norway and Mexico, sharing their love of music with others. Arlie wrote two beautiful hymns and she will finish her last one in heaven.

They retired from farming in 1982 and moved to Story City, Iowa. After Thelmer passed away in 1990, Arlie moved to the Scandi Centre. She enjoyed playing for Chapel at Bethany Manor and doing volunteer work During these last years she attended Heartland Senior Center in Ames and of course, playing the piano there.

She was currently living at Colonial Manor in Zearing, IA and entertained the residents with her music.

Arlie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Thelmer, her daughter, Elene, son-in-law, Roger, daughter-in-law, Lucille and grandson, David. Four brothers, Kenneth, Lester, Virgil, Dennis and one sister, Ethyl.

She is survived by her son, DeVon (Dianne) of Radcliffe and daughter, DeAnn of Nevada; ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, a sister, Norma Gandrup of Ames, a sister-in-law, Ina Brown of Colorado and one brother-in-law, Sinold Swenson of Radcliffe.

Arlie’s life has blessed many people, but knowing her departure is only a temporary separation is a comfort to us. Thank you Mom, for being a wonderful Mother, wife, and friend. We’ll always love you and will see you again.

Memorials:

Visitation: Visitation will be held prior to the service at Salem Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, IA, on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

Service: Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Salem Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, IA.

Cemetery: Arlie will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Ellsworth, IA.