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Robert Willis Swenson • 1921 - 2005 Robert Willis Swenson, 83, Noonan, ND, died Saturday, March 26, 2005, in a Crosby hospital. He was born on November 19, 1921, on the family farm in North Star Township, Burke County northeast of Bowbells, ND, the son of George and Lillian (Swanson) Swenson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells. He was reared and educated in country school near Bowbells. He spent his teen years and early twenties working on the farm with his father until 1945. On October 7, 1945, Robert married Junietta "June" Brown of Noonan. The couple spent their first six months in a farm home west of Bowbells and in the spring of 1946, they purchased a quarter of land seven and a half miles north of Bowbells. The farm the couple purchased was in need of repairs so over the years they made numerous improvements including, an addition, building a new barn, a large shop, a garage and adding smaller buildings. When the country schools closed, they also bought one of the school buildings and moved it onto their farmstead. Over the years they enlarged their land holdings and operated a small grain and cattle farm, which included horses for chores and ponies for the children. Robert retired from farming at the age of 75. After retiring he rented his land to a neighbor and remained at home for several years with his wife, June until entering a skilled care facility. Robert was active in the community serving on boards for the township and the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Services where he was also employed to measure grain bins. This made him well known throughout the county. He also served on the board of the Farmers Union Elevator and was past president. He was also a member of the Burke Farmers Union Local and was a past member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Robert enjoyed working with machinery and doing carpentry work, which he had learned while helping a local carpenter. He loved to go hunting and fishing with friends and neighbors and visiting in town. Survivors: wife of 59 years, June, Noonan; children, Carole Jean (Lyle) Hodgerson, Riverside, CA, Gerard (Judy) Swenson, Valley City, ND, Willis Swenson, Noonan, Lee Alan (Jean) Stanley, ND, and Mary Ann Vig, Valley City; ten grandchildren, Eric and Evan Hodgerson, Wade (Jennifer) Swenson, Ryan Swenson, Laura (Chris) Langemo, Dayna, Donelle, Bradley, Jeremiah, and Kalli Swenson; three great-grandchildren; brother, Gaylen (Arliene) Swenson, Kenmare and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Laura Luke. Funeral Service: Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 2 p.m.
at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells. |