Russell Neil Swensen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, community servant and dear friend passed away suddenly at his home in Ammon on April 30, 2014. Russell was 86 years young, loved life, loved his wife, family, church, country and many friends. He was born Nov. 13, 1927 to Neil and Wanda Swensen in St. Anthony, Idaho.
Russell graduated from St. Anthony High School where he was active in Future Farmers of America, drama, debate, track and student government. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Puerto Rico during World War II.
While home on leave, he married the love of his life, LaRue Schwendiman, on Oct. 9, 1947. They were sealed together for time and all eternity May 30, 1953 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
After his discharge, he engaged in farming and attended Ricks College. He earned his bachelor's degree in vocational education from Utah State. The next 11 years were spent teaching vocational agriculture at Bonneville High School. The remainder of his career, until he retired in May 1995, was spent as an agricultural extension agent, field superintendent for the Upper Snake River Valley Dairymen's Association and agricultural representative for Idaho First National Bank and West One Bank. He always had a great love for agriculture. In 1994, the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce recognized his lifelong service to the agricultural industry by presenting him with the Silver Plow Award.
Russell served as a councilman to the city of Ammon from 1969 to 1983 and the following five years as mayor of Ammon. He was dedicated to the community and pursued many opportunities to help improve the city. By mayoral proclamation the city of Ammon has designated May 6, 2014 as "Russell Swensen Day."
Russell loved the USA and he would extol the virtues of the "Red, White and Blue" whenever he had the chance. He was always proud to have served his country and he was a current member of The American Legion and the Freedom First Society.
He was an active member of the LDS Church and served in many leadership positions and teaching capacities throughout his life.
Russell loved life and would find a friend wherever he went. His creed and the way he lived his life was to love all, keep thinking positive and above all keep smiling.
He is survived by his wife, LaRue, his children, Craig (Debbie) of Puyallup, Wash.; Linden (Jenny), of Blair, Neb.; Kirk, of Ammon and GayLinn (Joe) Bradshaw, of Murray, Utah; a brother, Boyd and three sisters, Darlene, Irene and Carol, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at noon today (May 6, 2014) at the Ammon 1st Ward (3000 Central Ave.) The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wood East Side (963 S. Ammon) and from 11 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
May 23, 2014
Wayne Mortimer
Mr.Swensen was my favorite teacher, sorry for the late rememberance. He was fun to be around and always at your side to help you achieve the best. I remember him coming to my mission fairwell in Logan, traveling all the way there just to be with our family. He was a great teacher and friend we will miss him. We love you both very much. Love always Wayne Mortimer
May 7, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. May your family find comfort in drawing close to God at this most difficult time in your lives.
James 4:8
May 6, 2014
Pat Meyers Bodily
LaRue, You may not remember me, but I was one of your third grade students in the old Rock Building. I am the oldest daughter of Jim and Evelyn Meyers. I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear husband. My prayers are with you for comfort at this time of your life. I treasure my memories of the Schwendiman family and want you to know of the influence your parents and the children had on my life growing up in Sugar City.
May 4, 2014
Julie & Erv Southwick
Dear LaRue and family, our love and sympathy are with you at this time. We loved you and Russell and have missed you the last 6 years. Wish we were closer so we could attend his funeral.
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Wood Funeral Home -Idaho Falls273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
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