KILLED IN ACTION ON GERMAN FRONT FEB. 19
WILLIAMS—Word has been received here that Ben L. Swenson, husband of the former Genevieve Edvenson of Williams, was killed in action in Germany Feb. 19. He was with the 94th division, Third army, under General Patton, and had been overseas only since January.
His wife and small daughter are at present living in Story City, where his parents also live.
Source: Webster City Freeman, Webster City, IA - Mar. 12, 1945
Memorial Service for Benjamin Swenson Held at Randall
Memorial services were held on Sunday afternoon, April 15, at Elim Lutheran church in Randall for Pfc. Benjamin L. Swenson, who was killed in action in Germany on Feb. 19, 1945.
Obituary
Benjamin Lawrence Swenson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Swen Swenson, was born on a farm four miles west of Randall, Nov. 20, 1915, and passed away Feb. 19, 1945, at the age of 29 years and 3 months. He was baptized and confirmed in the Elim Lutheran church by Rev. G. O. Paulrud. He grew to manhood in the Randall community, residing on his father’s farm until his induction into the armed forces.
Aug. 19, 1942, he was united in marriage to Miss Genevieve Edvenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Galy Edvenson of Rose Grove township. The ceremony was performed by Rev. G. O. Mona, pastor of Rose Grove Lutheran church. To this union one child was born. Besides his wife and daughter, Karen Starr, he leaves his father; three brothers, Hallie of Roland, Sherman and Reuben of Jewell; six sisters, Mrs. Ingram Larson or Roland, Mrs. Sherman Larson, Josie, Sylvina, Rose and Dora of Story City. His mother preceded him in death Nov. 23, 1937. He also leaves to mourn his death, a large circle of relatives and friends.
He was inducted into the army Aug. 29, 1942. His first year of training in the coast artillery was spent at Washington, D. C., and Camp Edwards, Mass. Further training was given him at Coyne Electrical School, Chicago, Ill.; searchlight training at Camp Davis, N. C.; Camp Edwards, Mass.; Orlando, Fla.; and Camp Stewart, Ga. He left the states from Fort Meade, Md., in January, 1945.
On Feb. 19, 1945 he was killed in action in Germany.
Benjamin was a quiet and peace-loving man who was devoted to his family and throughout his military life, longed and planned for the day when he could return to them.
“While Benjamin had always been regular in his church attendance from early childhood, he definitely accepted Christ as his personal Savior shortly before entering the service. The presence of Christ was real to him and brightened many a dark hour while away from home and loved ones. His constant prayer was that all his loved ones and comrades might rejoice in the Savior whom he had learned to love. Although his voice is stilled on earth, we know he is praising Him who doeth all things well."
Source: The Ellsworth News, Ellsworth, Iowa, April 18, 1945
Benjamin L. Swenson was born Nov. 20, 1916 to Swen E. and Julia Olson Swenson. He died Feb. 19, 1945 and is buried in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Randall, IA.
Private Swenson was serving with Co. B, 301st Infantry, 94th Division of the Third Army under General Patton when he was killed in action in Germany. He is survived by his wife, the former Genevieve Edvenson and small daughter.
Sources:
ancestry.com
World War II Memorial
