Mavis Ann Jensen Swenson

Mavis Swenson passed away at her home on September 4, 2017. She was born at home in St. Olaf Township, Ottertail County, near Dalton, Minnesota on May 14, 1930 and was baptized at Tordenskjold Lutheran Church, rural Underwood. She was the only child of Mabel Victoria Runningen Jensen and Clifford Raymond Jensen.

The family moved several times over the years. Mavis attended school in Dalton, Hibbing and Fergus Falls where she graduated from high school. She went on to receive her teachers certificate from Moorhead State Teachers College.

On June 17, 1951 Mavis married Duane Roy Swenson at Tordenskjold Lutheran Church. They lived in rural Hawley and raised four children. In addition to being a farm wife, over the years she taught school in Hawley, Hitterdal, Barnesville and rural Rollag. She also worked for Chuck’s Electric and Lutheran Social Services. The family attended Eksjo Lutheran Church, Lake Park, where in her younger years she was an active member, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and serving on church council.

Mavis loved country life and had a passion for reading; studying world religions, philosophy, and science. She enjoyed camping trips with family and traveling, especially a good road trip. Mavis loved her children and enjoyed their friends as well as her own, and had a special relationship with her grandchildren. She loved cats and always had one or more for companionship.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Mabel and Clifford Jensen, and husband Duane. She is survived by her children Elana Swenson Nick Gridley, Glenns Ferry, Idaho; Pamela Swenson, King Hill, Idaho; Nancy Trickey Neil Olson, Frazee, Minnesota; and Rand Swenson Katie Meiners, Moorhead, Minnesota; grandchildren Cass Swenson, Dana, Laura and Natalie Trickey. Billy and Alison Knox and Scott Gridley; and five great grandchildren.

In memory of Mavis, an open house will be held at the Swenson farm 26296 5th Ave. S. Hawley between 3:00 and 5:00 pm Saturday, September 9, 2017.