Arnold Luverne Swenson was born Aug. 1, 1937, in Ellsworth, Iowa, the son of Bennie and Leona (Sundermeyer) Swenson. He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1955 and Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Minn. in 1957. On Aug. 21, 1960, Arnold was united in marriage to Sharon Schnittger at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dunnell. The couple moved to Fort Hood, Texas, where they spent two years while Arnold was in the U.S. Army. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, the couple returned to Minnesota and made Fairmont their home. They were blessed with two children, Sheryl and Jeffrey. Over the years, he held jobs at 3M and Equifax, both in Fairmont, Minn. Following his retirement in 1999, he worked at Grace Lutheran Church and Step, Inc., in Fairmont. Arnold became a member of Grace Lutheran Church in 1950 and was confirmed in 1951. Church was a central part of Arnold’s life, as was Scouting. He was awarded the Pro Deo Et Patria medal in 1955 and an Eagle Scout Award in 1955, both at Grace. He was very proud of being one of the longest-tenured members at Grace, and served on the church council and as an usher. Family held a special place in Arnold’s heart. He grew up with one brother and four sisters and enjoyed reminiscing about “the good days” with them. Family visits were treasured, and he adored his granddaughters, Stephanie and Megan. He especially enjoyed watching them move into careers of their own. Arnold thoroughly loved golf, playing weekly for many years. He and Sharon were members of the Rose Lake Golf Club for a time and he took advantage of Men’s Day and Couple’s Night. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one on the course. He enjoyed playing at Fox Lake more recently, often arriving by 6 a.m. before the staff. When he no longer played, he could be found watching the PGA tournament nearly every weekend. He followed high school sports for years and often held the chains at Fairmont football

games. Arnold and Sharon enjoyed monthly Card Club activities and holiday picnics with friends, camping with family and friends, and taking in community events and concerts. After Sharon’s passing, Arnold was active with the Fairmont Service Club.

Left to cherish his memory are children, Sheryl (Eric) Leill of Edina, Minn. and Jeffrey (Tracy) Swenson of St. Joseph, Minn.; grandchildren, Stephanie Leill of Fridley, Minn. and Megan Leill of Minneapolis; sisters, Beverly Thate of Sherburn, Minn., Lois Swenson of Minneapolis, Minn., JoAnn Difiglio of Grays Lake, Ill. and Elaine Swenson of St. Paul, Minn.; sister-in-law, Shirley Brolsma of Fairmont, Minn.; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Swenson; his parents, Bennie and Leona Swenson; parents-in-law, William and Doria Schnittger; brothers, Richard Swenson and Robert Swenson; brothers-in-law, Walter Thate, Joe Difiglio, Richard Brolsma and Bill Schnittger; and sister-in-law Sandy Swenson. Special thanks to Amy Peterson and the nursing team at Vernon Terrace, as well as the terrific staff at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church, 300 S. Grant Street, Fairmont, MN 56031. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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