Bruce M. Swenson

Bruce Swenson, beloved father, grandfather, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the family home in Scandia, the place where he was raised and spent his life surrounded by his devoted family.

Bruce was born on March 21, 1939, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Herbert and Adele (Olgilvie) Swenson. He grew up on a dairy farm in Scandia, where he learned the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family and community. He graduated from Forest Lake High School in the Class of 1957.

On June 18, 1960, Bruce married his childhood sweetheart, Janet. Their love story, which began in their youth, blossomed into a partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work. They created a home in Scandia, nestled by the peaceful shores of Goose Lake, where they shared countless memories. Their shared adventures took them across all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, to all Canadian provinces except the Yukon, and to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe. No matter where they went, they always returned to Scandia, where their roots ran deep.

Bruce and Janet were inseparable, not just as partners in life but in business. Over the years, they ran numerous ventures together, including a hardware store, dairy farming, trucking, recycling, paper delivery routes, and the well-known Swenson Superette and catering business. Through these endeavors, Bruce earned a reputation as a hard-working, innovative, and community-driven man. He was deeply involved in everything he did, always with the goal of building a better future for those around him.

A true pillar of the Scandia community, Bruce was affectionately known as the “unofficial Mayor” of the town. His love for Scandia was evident in his tireless efforts to support local initiatives and organizations. He was a dedicated member of the Scandia Marine Lions Club, a longstanding member of Elim Lutheran Church, and a familiar face at many of the local coffee clubs. Bruce also proudly participated in the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club, where his witty humor and storytelling were always welcome.

For over 20 years, Bruce served as a volunteer firefighter, and his commitment to his community knew no bounds. Whether through business, community service, or simply sharing a cup of coffee, Bruce was a constant presence in the lives of those who knew him.

Bruce had a rare gift: the ability to make anyone he met feel important. Whether it was a lifelong friend or a complete stranger, Bruce would engage in conversation, often starting with his signature question, “Who are you, where are you from, and who are your parents?” It wasn’t just curiosity; it was Bruce’s way of connecting with people and making them feel like they belonged. These conversations often ended with Bruce gifting a “famous Swenson pen,” a gesture that would make people smile and keep his memory alive long after.

In January 2024, after the passing of his beloved Janet, Bruce faced a world without his true love. Though he faced difficult days, Bruce carried on with the same resilience and determination that defined him. He began planning new adventures, eager to explore the world again—but in the summer, he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Bruce fought valiantly, refusing to give up, but ultimately, he was ready to go home. He is now reunited with Janet, where he has been greeted with open arms and a love that never ended.

Bruce is survived by his children, Kent (Jeannine) Swenson, Neil (Diana) Swenson, Scott (Michelle Filkins) Swenson, and Julie (Matthew) Geiger. He also leaves behind eleven adored grandchildren, Holly (Alfred) Nkemla Lienou, Michael (Kierstin) Swenson, Tanae (Justin) Christophersen, Tal (Hailey) Swenson, Cole Peterson, BaiLeigh Swenson, Hannah Swenson, Cindy Swenson, Jade (Cameron Anderson) Geiger, Mya Geiger, Grant Geiger and eight great-grandchildren, Freya and Odin Nkemla Lienou, Elliott and Caden Swenson, Ollie Christophersen, Juno Janet Swenson, Raelyn and Kaedence Peterson and one on the way; brother, Clyde Swenson; many other family and lifelong friends. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents,Herbert and Adele; wife, Janet; and sister, Roberta Jean Orley. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love for his community. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail North, Scandia. The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Additionally, there will be a one hour gathering at the church before the service on Tuesday. Private interment at Elim Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Elim Lutheran Church-Kitchen Fund.  To give online visit www.elimscandia.org/giving for the Bruce Swenson Memorial.