Gary Lee Swenson

Gary Swenson, age 73, of Spicer, died Thursday, July 8, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at Evangelical Covenant Church in New London and will be live-streamed on the church's YouTube page.  Interment will be at the Lake Florida Mission Covenant Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gary Lee Swenson was born December 7, 1947, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Henry “Lolly” and Madelyn (Thostenson) Swenson.  He grew up near Norway Lake and attended New London-Spicer Schools, graduating in 1965.  Gary then attended Willmar Community College obtaining a degree in business.  On November 17, 1967, Gary married Judy Ann Larson from Willmar and they made their home in the New London-Spicer area.  Gary worked for 50 years as a human service technician for the Willmar Regional Treatment Center.  He also operated R & S Cleaning Service with friend Ron Reigstad for several years.

Gary was a former member of Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Willmar, where he was active in Evangelism Explosion. He was a current member of Evangelical Covenant Church in New London.  Gary was active with the Kandiyohi County Historical Society, MCCL, and NRA. He was passionate about life, his values and was very active in the Republican Party, where he held several county and state leadership positions.  In his earlier years, he enjoyed collecting antiques and operated Lakeside Antiques with Don Blaha.  He was an avid reader and loved to learn, especially about history.

He is survived by his wife: Judy Swenson of Spicer; three children: Cindy (Jerry) Finsaas of New London, Tanya (Mike) Gustafson of Willmar, and Joshua (Felicia) Swenson of Willmar; eight grandchildren: Isaiah, Isabelle, Levi, Olivia, and Ava Gustafson, Kaelyn, Mallory, and Jace Swenson; nine step-grandchildren: Jarred Finsaas, Hannah (James) Durabi, Naomi (Zach) Becker, Andrew (Stephanie) Finsaas, Lydia (Ryan) Thompson, Priscilla (Santiago) Alameda, Claudia Finsaas, Joel (Emma) Finsaas and Tim & Aries Finsaas; six step-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a brother: Greg (Debbie) Swenson of New London; two sisters: Carol (Bob) Sampson of Spicer and Cheri (Andrew) Wiechman of Belgrade; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry “Lolly” and Madelyn Swenson; and a brother: Curtis Swenson.

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