Roger Swenson 09/09/2017

Roger F. Swenson, age 85, of River Falls, died Saturday, September 09, 2017 at Kinnic Health & Rehab in River Falls, WI. He was born the son of Walter and Nettie (nee Anderson) Swenson on April 18, 1932 in River Falls, WI. He grew up in the town of River Falls on a family farm and graduated from River Falls High School, class of 1950. Following graduation, Roger served in the Navy from August 4, 1951 to July 20, 1953. After serving in the Navy, he worked for a short time at the River Falls Post Office.  Roger was a lifelong farmer on the family farm. Farming was his first love after his family. Roger was married to Pat Lansing on March 31, 1973 at Rush River Lutheran Church.
Roger was a member of the Fletcher Pechacek American Legion Post 121 of River Falls and served for many years in the Honor Squad. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and Hudson VFW. In addition, Roger was a lifelong member of Rush River Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He the recipient of the WCCO Good Neighbor award.  In retirement, Roger and Pat moved to Poskin Lake in Barron County, WI.
Roger loved sports, especially the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. Roger was a strong-willed man, who was hardworking, gentle and giving.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nettie Swenson; brothers, David Swenson and John (Ardis) Swenson; sisters, Arlene (Lonnie) Odbert and Shirley (Dan) Sitz; and brother-in-law, Bob Grefe. Roger is survived by his wife, Pat Swenson; children, Tom (Joni) Moe, Luanne (Greg) O’Connell, and Kelly Heil; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Verda Grefe, Norma (Lloyd) Nelson, Edith (Minnard) Hojem; and many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 22, 2017 at Rush River Lutheran Church (N8623 County Road Y River Falls, WI  54022) at 5:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment will be in Rush River Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services of River Falls.