Cover photo for Gordon Swenson's Obituary
Gordon Swenson Profile Photo
1938 Gordon 2018

Gordon Swenson

September 12, 1938 — June 7, 2018

Gordon G. Swenson, 79, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, June 7, 2018, in University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis.

Gordon was born on September 12, 1938 in Fergus Falls, MN, the son of Carl E. and Faith (Noffsinger) Swenson.  He graduated from high school at West Central Ag School in Morris, MN.  On October 17, 1957, he entered the United States Navy, where he served as a 2nd Class Aviation Ordnanceman.  Gordon was honorably discharged on March 2, 1962 and returned to Fergus Falls, where he began working for Otter Tail Power Company as a lineman for 38 years.

On December 27, 1970, he married Linda Holt Lancaster, and they were blessed with two children, Glen and Melissa.

On November 24, 1991, he married Catherine Kraus-lana, and they resided in Fergus Falls.

Gordon’s love for the outdoors began at a young age and he enjoyed hunting and trapping.  He became a hunting guide in the early 1970’s, hunting and guiding for black bear, buffalo, caribou, and wild game in Africa.  Gordon greatly enjoyed guiding salmon fishing trips in Sheboygan, Wisconsin during the summer months as well.  He authored two books: “Bear Man” and “Bear Man: The Rest of the Story”, enjoyed painting wild life scenes

He is survived by his son, Glen Swenson of Fergus Falls, and Glen’s daughter, Kelsey Weiss; daughter, Melissa Flerchinger of Clitherall, and Melissa’s daughter, Jordan Flerchinger; brother, Marlen Swenson of Fergus Falls; sister, Carolyn (Wayne) Somers of Hibbing, MN; stepchildren, Elizabeth (Richard) Splittstoesser of Eagan, MN and Christine Westphall of Moorhead; step-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Alexander Splittstoesser; and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Swenson; and sister-in-law, Helen Swenson.

Visitation:  5 – 7 PM Monday, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, and one hour prior to services

Memorial Service:  2:00 PM Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home

Clergy:  Reverend Tom Petersen

Interment:  Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls

Online Guestbook:  GlendeNilson.com


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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, June 11, 2018

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Glende-Nilson Funeral Home (Fergus Falls)

301 E Washington Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

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Memorial Service

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Glende-Nilson Funeral Home (Fergus Falls)

301 E Washington Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

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Guestbook

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