Sidney Swenson

Sidney A. Swenson

Of Osceola, WI, formerly of St. Paul, MN went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 29, 2020 at the age of 98.  We celebrate his time on earth and how he touched the lives of many.  Born December 25, 1922 in St. Paul, MN, to Perry A. and Agnes G. (Bjork) Swenson.  Loving husband of Gloria E. (Malmstedt) Swenson for 64 years.  In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his 3 brothers and their wives – John P. (Mary) Swenson, Carl A. (Violet) Swenson, and Donald B. (Gerry) Swenson.

Sid is survived by his children – Jeffrey A. Swenson of Crosslake, MN, Jean P. Swenson of St. Paul, Thomas N. (Ann) Swenson of Crosslake, MN and Joan M. (Patrick) Flanders of Osceola, WI; five grandchildren – Daniel (Katy) Swenson, Laura (Brett) Peterson, John, Matthew, and Jenna Flanders; and four great-grandchildren – Stacy, Callie, Sophy and Jack.

Sid grew up in St. Paul.  He attended Linwood Elementary and Moriah Sanford Jr. High before graduating from Central High School in 1941.  He went on to the University of Minnesota, completing his degree in civil engineering in 1945.  After graduating from the university, he worked for the Water Resources Division of the Minnesota Conservation Department as a land surveyor then with Toltz, King and Day before joining his father and brother in the Perry A. Swenson Construction Company.  The company built many of the St. Paul schools and churches, and in later years completed many remodeling projects at the University of Minnesota until John and Sid retired in 1986.

Sid and Gloria met in the church choir and were married in 1950.  They moved into their home at 1870 Rome and stayed there for 64 years.

The Swenson brothers were all Eagle Scouts from Troop 74 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.  For many years, Sid played then managed the church softball team.  Music brought lifelong enjoyment.  Sid played the piano, accordion, sang in the choir and continued playing the organ (by ear) all his days.  He was an avid Twins, Vikings and Gophers fan, a board member of the Humane Society and remained a member of the St. Paul Y’s Men’s Club for 67 years. Sid enjoyed his Swedish heritage and his two trips to Sweden visiting his many cousins.

Sid had been living with Joan and Pat the past five years. About two months before his death he began hospice services. On December 13, two days before he became bedridden, his children had an early birthday celebration with him, as they were not sure he would be with them on his 98th Christmas day birthday. On the morning of December 29th Joan and Pat, along with Jeff, Tom, and Jean by phone, were able to be together with him at his passing.

A private graveside and burial service for immediate family will take take place on January 22nd.

A celebration of Sid's life will be held later this spring or summer and information will be updated on the Bradshaw website.

Memorials are not necessary, but gifts in memoriam may be given to a charity of your choice.

Sidney's Memorial Service: