Woodstock Valley – John P. Swenson, 98 years old, of Bradford Corner Rd., passed away peacefully on October 2, 2014, while a resident at Regency Heights of Danielson. He was the loving husband of both the late Mary (Kohlsaat) Swenson and Mary (Nelson) Kohlsaat-Swenson. Born in St. Paul, MN, he was the son of the late Perry A. and Agnes (Bjork) Swenson.
John served as a Captain in the Army during World War II. He graduated from the University of Minnesota as a civil engineer and was a member of Theta Tau Engineering fraternity. John, along with his brother Sidney, were partners in their father’s building company, the Perry A. Swenson Co. based out of St. Paul, MN. He was a long time member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
John moved to Connecticut from his beloved Minnesota in 1994 to be near his daughters and granddaughters. He was a lifelong student and an avid reader. He enjoyed participating in Learning in Retirement programs at Quinebaug Valley Community College and attending programs at the University of Connecticut. In his earlier years he enjoyed photography and curling. He was also a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.
John is survived by his daughters, Cathy (Swenson) Lewis of Woodstock, CT and Barbara J. Swenson of Wethersfield, CT; his brothers, Sidney A. Swenson of St. Paul, MN, Dr. Donald B. Swenson of Minnetonka, MN; and his grandchildren, Chelsea (Lewis) Nettleton of Windsor, CT and Peri J. Lewis, of Woodstock, CT. He is predeceased by his son, John B. Swenson and his brother, Carl A. Swenson.
Burial with military honors will take place on Friday November 7, 2014 at 11:00 am in Acacia Park Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, followed by a funeral service to be held at 1:00 pm in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. South, St. Paul, MN 55116. Memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. South, St. Paul, MN 55116. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Pastor Phil Cannistraci
Dear Cathy and family,
It was an honor and a privilege to serve as your father’s visitation pastor for the past 6 years. We would always begin with just chatting about his former days and he would take me through his photo gallery and give me details (he wouldn’t remember that he showed me them on my last visit) and I always found it interesting. After awhile, we would have a short time of scripture meditation, I would serve him communion, and have a time of prayer. Over the years, I also brought with me some men from the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church. Among them were Pastor Leon Engman, Art Loefstedt, Don Henry, David Butler, and Charlie Douglas. He was always pleasant, sociable, and his mind was clear (except for recent memories). He was an intelligent man who knew and loved Jesus Christ as his personal savior. It was an honor and a joy to have known him. May the Lord comfort you and your family with peace and wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
Pastor Phil Cannistraci
Jean M. Jarvis (DDS)
Cathy & Family,
May GOD shower light on your life ahead, and guide you through these sorrowful days. I can understand your pain, but the soul that is no more with us shall see peace and rest with the LORD.
Janet Lima and family
Dear Cathy, Barb and family: We were so saddened to hear of John’s passing, but so thankful that God blessed him with a long, full life! What a blessing you have all been to him over the years. I will miss his kindness and grace! How thankful we can all be for the legacy of faith and integrity that our parents have passed on….. With love, Janet Swenson Lima with Josias, Andrea & Sonia
Russell and Dorothy Bjork
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing, but have many fond memories of family gatherings in Minnesota. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.