Gerald Obert Sveen

Gerald Obert Sveen died Thursday, July 4, 2024, at his home in Emmons, MN surrounded by his family. He will be deeply missed by all that were blessed to know him. 

Gerald was born on June 19, 1945 in Albert Lea, MN to Obert and Gladys (Larson) Sveen. He was baptized at Silver Lake Church, in Northwood, Iowa. Gerald (Jerry) grew up just outside of Emmons where he lived nearly his entire life. Jerry attended high school until his junior year before leaving school to join the workforce. 

Jerry volunteered for military service in the Navy and was deployed to Vietnam Nam where he was stationed on the USS Massey (DD-778), and proudly served his country for several years. After being honorably discharged, he worked as a plumber, eventually starting his own plumbing service, Sveen’s Plumbing, in Emmons MN.

On October 1, 1967, Jerry married the love of his life, Barb (Johnson) Sveen at Silver Lake Church. Together they had two beautiful children, Michael Sveen (Kathy) and Lisa Sheehan (Joel). They were blessed with 6 grandchildren: Quinn, Chloey, Brady, Claire, Hanna, Paige, and 1 great-grandchild: Dallas.

Family was extremely important to Jerry. He looked forward to holidays when their home would be bursting at the seams with everyone gathered together. Campfires, homemade soup, making Lefse and later, as the grandkids grew and started their own families, Christmas in July became a tradition. Hamburgers, french fries, and malts for breakfast, during the Eagles Cancer Telethon, was also a grandkid favorite with grandma and grandpa!

Jerry was a volunteer Fire Fighter in Emmons, MN for over 20 years, and was an active member of the Emmons American Legion. When not working, he enjoyed being outside in the summer, mowing lawn and planting flowers.

Survivors include his wife, Barb, son Mike, daughter Lisa, sister Gloria Kvale, brother Gordon Martinson, his grandkids, and great-grandchild, and many additional family members who will miss him dearly. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; Obert and Gladys Sveen, his brothers Merle Martinson and Orin Martinson, and Phylis (Martinson) Quam.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 5pm-7pm at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the: The Emmons Veterans Memorial Fund, at the Emmons American Legion, Post 317, in Emmons MN. 

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to St. Croix Hospice in Albert Lea, for their amazing care and support during his journey.