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Marie Swensen
1921 - 2016
Marie Swensen
1921 - 2016
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Marie Swensen Obituary
Marie Swensen, of Viborg, SD, formerly of Irene, SD, passed away on Tuesday, May 31st, 2016 at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, SD, where she had been a long term resident with Alzheimer's disease.
Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 10 o'clock at Calvary Lutheran Church in Irene, SD with Pastor Mark Ostrem officiating on Friday, June 3, 2016.
Marie was born November 28, 1921 and was 94 years old at the time of her death. She was married to Sanford Bratberg, who died of brain cancer in 1958. She married Leslie Swensen who passed away in 2004.
Preceding her in death were her parents, John and Marie Vik and eight brothers and sisters: Selma Akland (Chris), Myrtle Dahl (Sigurd), Stanley Haugland (Eleanor), Ed Vik (Vivian), Elmer Vik (Marie), Hervin Vik (Fern), Verna Porter (Bob), and Herbert Vik (Gayle). Also preceding her in death were Leslie's children, Dale Swensen (Charlotte), Francis Mellem (Kenneth) and Darrell Swensen. She was also preceded in death by grandson, Scott Bratberg, and step-grandchildren, Cynthia Hopf and Greg Mellem.
She is survived by her two sons, Larry (Diane) Bratberg of Stockton, California, Jerry (Heather) Bratberg of Bloomington, Illinois, and by step daughter-in-law, Yvonne Swensen. Also surviving are grandchildren, Victoria Bratberg, Neil Bratberg, and Lauren Spencer and step-grandchildren, Ryan Jones, Ashley Waldman, Chance Williams, Kay Nielson, Mike Swensen, Dennis Swensen, Mark Swensen, Kari Neuharth, Marty Swensen, 3 greatchildren, 14 step great grandchildren, and 13 step great great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.
Marie was a graduate of Springfield College and taught school, initially in the Irene area and started with some of the single room school houses in the country. She ended her career teaching 8th grade in Viborg, SD. One of her proudest achievements was helping the troubled students when they entered her class. Many of them came back and thanked her for placing them on the right path in life and for her academic help. As part of her life at the schools came sporting events where she was a very vocal fan, the wrath of which was taken out on many a referee.
In lieu of flowers, please send any memorials to Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home, Viborg.
Marie and family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of the nursing home for her wonderful care during her arduous process.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Peterson
July 2, 2016
Marie was my 7&8th grade teacher in 1966 and 1967. She was fair and strict and of all the teachers I have ever had, she is the one who I remember the most. She had that effect on all of her Students.
ken harts
June 3, 2016
In loving memory to a wonderful woman whom I respected greatly.
June 3, 2016
Mrs. Swenson was one of a kind and passionate about her students and her school. She made a lasting impact on so many of us.
Patti Buehler - Class of 84
Pam Chaussee
June 2, 2016
So sorry for your loss of Marie. She was an inspiration and so helpful to me when I started teaching in Viborg. It was such a pleasure knowing her and teaching with her. She will be missed.
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Renee Hansen
June 2, 2016
So sorry for your loss. This amazing 8th grade teacher is a woman I will not forget. She was the best
Sincerely
Renee Hansen
Glen Hansen
June 1, 2016
Mrs. Swenson has always been one of the most important teachers in my life. I am so sorry to learn of her passing. She will be missed by all. Blessed be her memory.
Brenda Hansen
June 1, 2016
I have many found memories of her as my 8th grade teacher in Viborg. I'll always remember the night she and Leslie had Bunko night at the school. She will truly be missed. Brenda Hansen. Class of 1988.
Lori Nielsen/Hogrefe
June 1, 2016
So sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful teacher, we all loved her!
Judy Westegaard-Jenkins nee Andal
June 1, 2016
Mrs. Sweson was my favourite teacher (7th & 8th grade). She was tough but full of heart. She was adept at realizing what gifts each of us had. I will be forever grateful for her to turning me on to art and drawing. An amazing woman is gone....my sincerest condolences to the family.
Kim Boldenow (Munkvold)
June 1, 2016
So sad to hear this. Mrs Swenson was an amazing teacher, and the love and support she gave her students had an impact for years!! I'll never forget bunco and cream puffs.
June 1, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to the family. God's blessings to all
Merlyn and Judy(Hinseth) Sundvold
Sandi King (Frederickson)
June 1, 2016
Mrs. Swenson was my 8th grade teacher. She was firm, loving, kind and tough all at once, and also the main reason I became a teacher myself. My sympathies to her family.
Ellen Glood
June 1, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the family. Mrs. Swenson was my 8th grade teacher, and taught me to appreciate poetry! She was an inspiration to many and I am so glad that she was part of my childhood.
Ellen Marie Glood
Laura Marquardt
June 1, 2016
Many fond memories of Marie while working at Pioneer Memorial. She was a rare gem and had lots of fun with her. Prayers to the family
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121 E. Main St., Irene, SD 57037
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