Arlie Adeline Handeland Swenson (1911-2010)

SWENSON, HANDELAND, KNUTSON, GANDRUP, BROWN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 3/14/2010 at 14:03:19

THE STORY CITY HERALD, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

Arlie Swenson, age 99, of Story City and formerly of Radcliffe, died on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Services were held at Salem Lutheran Church near Radcliffe, on Feb. 27, 2010 with Pastor Andy Coyle officiating. Visitation was held prior the funeral service at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Burial was at the Evergreen Cemetery following the service.

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.

Arlie was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. At age 6, she moved with her parents to a farm near Radcliffe 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 Sept. 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 fanning in 1982 and moved to Story City. 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 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; 10 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.