Gordon Swenson

Gordon D. Swenson, 93, died Nov. 29, at the Benedictine Living Community in Duluth. He was born in Fargo, ND, to Elizabeth and Albert Swenson. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to St. Paul, MN, where he spent his formative years. In 1944, Gordon graduated from Wilson High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served until 1946. While attending college, he spent two enjoyable summers driving sight-seeing buses in Glacier National Park. In 1950 he graduated from Hamline University with a degree in Business and Economics and married Joyce von Lehe, also a Hamline graduate, who was to be his life companion for 67 years.

In 1953, Gordon and Joyce moved to Duluth, where Gordon was employed by the First and American Bank (now Wells Fargo) in the Real Estate Loan Department. Later, he partnered with Richard Kohlbry to form Kohlbry, Swenson, and Associates real-estate firm. He became active in local and state real-estate organizations and served on the Duluth Planning Commission and Zoning Appeals Board. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Ann’s Home, and the Benedictine Health Systems. He returned to Wells Fargo for the last decade of his business career.

Gordon enjoyed spending time with people, especially those with whom he hunted, fished, and played golf. He was a member of Northland Country Club, University for Seniors, and Pilgrim United Congregational Church of Christ. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America and, for 15 years, delivered Meals on Wheels. His business activities and life brought him in daily contact with many Duluthians, which he cherished dearly, being a strong believer in community and one who always found the good in people.

Gordon was preceded in death by Joyce, brother Owen of Seattle, and sister Norma Carter of Minneapolis. He is survived by sons William (Megan Peterson) of Edina and John (Sarah Hurst) of Duluth and grandchildren Andrew, Kyra, and Jason Swenson.

The family thanks the personnel of Essentia Hospice Care and the Marywood unit of Benedictine Living Community for the fine care they provided Gordon.  Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home.  3208 W. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55806.  218-727-3555.