Gorden Swenson

Gorden “Lefty” Swenson, 79, of Barnesville, MN was called home on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Essentia Health in Fargo.   Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, August 11, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Pastor Chris Leach officiating.  Burial will follow in Rosemond Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm, Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.    Gorden “Lefty” Richard Swenson was born on February 12, 1938 to Bernard J. and Jane O. (Hough) Swenson at Caroline MacDonald’s, midwife, in Barnesville, MN. He grew into manhood in Barnesville, graduating from Barnesville High School in 1956.   After graduation, he attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN.  After a year, he decided to return to Barnesville to work in the construction field, building houses with his dad and brothers.  He was drafted into the US Army and served from 1961 through 1963 and was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska.  Upon discharge, he returned to Barnesville and returned to working construction.    On November 5, 1966, he was united in marriage to Bonita “Bonnie” Johnson at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, MN.  They made their home in Barnesville.  He and Bonnie are the parents of Phillip, of Barnesville, MN; Paul of Enola, PA; Daniel and his wife Sue of Alexandria, MN; and Leah of Barnesville.  He was grandpa to Cody and Connor Barth and Cole, Carter, and Kendall Swenson.    He is survived by his two brothers: Burton (Carol) Swenson and Carroll (Joan) Swenson; and sister-in-law Patty Swenson, all of Barnesville; as well as sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Don (Kay) Johnson, Donna (Gerald) Lien, Butch (Carol) Johnson all of Flom, MN; Sandy Seykora, Mahnomen, MN; Bill (Mary) Johnson of Hawley, MN;and Betty (Dale) Thompson of Edina, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Also surviving him is a special life-long friend, Merle (Diane) Nelson of Barnesville.    Lefty worked for the State of Minnesota as a cabinet maker from 1971 until retirement in 2000.  He graduated from Moorhead State University with an Associated Degree in 1976.  He was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Barnesville HRA Board and the Barnesville community, and a Life Member of American Legion Post 153.  He was an avid bowler and tried to golf.  He enjoyed watching Barnesville High School sports as well as the Vikings and Twins.    He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Laverne; father and mother-in-law Boyd and Dorothy Johnson; and brother-in-law Lyle Seykora. Family would prefer that a memorial be given to the charity of choice in lieu of flowers.  Gorden "Lefty" 's Memorial Folder