Wade T. Swenson Sr.

Wade T. Swenson, age 65, died of ALS Lou Gehrig's disease on May 17, 2010, at the Hospice House in Fergus Falls, MN, with his wife by his side. Wade was born to Theodore and Shirley Wade Swenson on April 3, 1945. He was raised on a farm near Adams, ND and graduated from Adams High School. He was baptized and confirmed at Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams, ND. He earned an Associates Degree at the North Dakota State School of Science and received a BS degree from Moorhead State College. He earned an MA degree at Ball State University, Muncie, IN and a doctorate degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Wade taught at ND State College of Science, Tri-State College, Angola, IN and at Minnesota State University Moorhead MSUM. He was very proud of the MSUM community and felt privileged to work there for 33 years. He served many roles at MSUM. He was passionate about teaching, and enjoyed working with his students. He served as Technology Department Chair for 18 years. He was instrumental in developing the Construction Management and Industrial Distribution programs. He served leadership roles with NAIT accreditation, Technology Task Force, and Liberal Arts Task Force. He received several awards recognizing excellence in education and leadership. He was passionate about his work with Dragon athletics, and enjoyed attending athletic events.Wade and Gail were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in LaMoure, ND in 1968. Wade was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Moorhead, and later joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. Wade enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a special relationship with his grandchildren and was looking forward to meeting his third grandchild in August. He was an active member of the Fargo Rotary Club. He enjoyed history and travel, and for his 40th wedding anniversary traveled to Norway with his wife and church group. Despite his disability, Wade felt that he was a very fortunate person, and had a good life. He lived and died with dignity.Wade is survived by his wife, the light of his life for forty one years, Gail Nelson Swenson. He is also survived by his two sons, Wade T. Lisa Swenson of Fergus Falls, MN and Jason A. Lara Swenson of Baltimore, MD. He is survived by two grandchildren, Abigail and Aidan Swenson of Fergus Falls, MN. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Marlene Swenson of Clarkdale, AZ; two nephews, Micah Swenson of Cornville, AZ, Tim Swenson of Sunnyvale, CA, and a niece, Angela Swenson of Phoenix, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Wade was appreciative of the excellent care provided by the staff at Lakeland Hospice and Mill Street Residence in Fergus Falls, MN. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wade T. Swenson Endowed Scholarship at the MSUM Foundation, Lakeland Hospice Fergus Falls, MN, ALS Association Minnesota Chapter, or Trinity Foundation-Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.