Muriel L. Swenson

Muriel Lord Swenson passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 4, 2016. She was born on August 17, 1912, the only child of Ray and Lulu Lord, in Cuba Township north of Lake Park, MN,

Muriel attended school through the 8th grade. She desired more schooling but that was uncommon, so from that point on she was always self-educating. She was an avid reader throughout the years.

On March 13, 1930, Muriel was united in marriage to Roy Swenson at Eksjo Lutheran Church near Lake Park. They farmed in Eglon Township where they raised their two children, Duane and Diane. Shortly after the children were grown and had families of their own, they moved into Hawley, where together they sold insurance and real estate. It was also convenient for grandchildren, as this was their “storm home” as well as a place to drop in and be nurtured with fresh baked goods. Many holidays were celebrated there over the years, and numerous barbecues and brunches were enjoyed for one occasion or another. Muriel loved her family and friends and enjoyed entertaining.

With a positive attitude and thankful heart, Muriel lived life to the fullest, always looking forward to the next adventure, outing or experience. She and Roy loved to travel. Some of her favorite trips were to Sweden, Norway, Hawaii and Alaska, and she traveled to many other US states, and at age 97 to the Maritime Islands in Canada. She found time for exercise, walking daily, long before it was popular, and even into her 100’s was admired for her agility and speed walking. Muriel was creative and enjoyed oil painting, gardening, and needle work, making beautiful afghans, and into her 90’s, embroidering dish cloths for the Eksjo Fall Festival. She was an active member of Hawley Study Club for many years and Eksjo Lutheran Church where she and Roy worshiped their entire married life. She also enjoyed helping and participating at the Hawley senior center and helped to deliver Meals on Wheels late in life.

Since Roy’s death in 2004, Muriel had lived on her own in Hawley and Detroit Lakes until an injury at age 101 when she moved to Sunnyside Care Center. She is preceded in death by her parents Lulu and Ray Lord, husband Roy Swenson, son Duane Swenson, son-in-law Robert Arnold and granddaughter-in-law Ramona Arnold. She is survived by her daughter Diane Robert Arnold, Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter-in-law Mavis Duane Swenson, Hawley, MN; grandchildren Steven Michelle Arnold, Bismarck, ND; Barry Sue Arnold, Osage, MN; Elana Nick Gridley, Glenns Ferry, ID; Mark Heidi Arnold, Osage, MN; Pamela Harry Knox Swenson, King Hill, ID; Nancy Neil Olson Trickey, Frazee, MN; and Rand Swenson, Moorhead, MN; great grandchildren Tara and Neille Steve’s, Stephanie, Jodi, Adam, Aaron, Anthony and Gabrielle Barry’s, Scott Elana’s, Cal and Lee Mark’s, Billy and Alison Pam’s, Dana, Laura and Natalie Nancy’s, Cass and Brooke Rand’s; 16 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Sunnyside for their loving care and concern for Muriel.

Visitation: one hour before the service at the church.
Funeral: Friday, September 9, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Eksjo Lutheran Church, rural Lake Park, MN.
Interment: Eksjo Lutheran Church Cemetery