Richard E. Swenson

Richard E. Swenson (Dick), 93, died at his home in Duluth, Minnesota on Tuesday, October 28. He was born to Anna H. and Ernest Swenson and raised in Minneapolis. He attended Roosevelt High School, Hamline University, and the University of Minnesota, from which he graduated with an engineering degree. He worked for Honeywell and Minnesota Power, where he put into practice his commitment to expanding economic opportunity for the region, including the Iron Range.

He was creative in work and play. In 1961, he invented "the famous folding Sven Saw," which he humbly called "a hobby that paid for itself." He loved all things outdoors including hiking, canoeing, and skiing. He met his wife, L. Cecile (Hilding) Swenson, on a Lutsen run. Together, they had three daughters, whom they raised in Duluth where he lived for the rest of his life. He was a beloved Morfar to his two grandchildren. The well-being of his family was always his first priority.

He was also deeply involved in the community, a leader in many contexts including the Camp Miller Board, the Rotary Club, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, and First Lutheran Church. He sang in the Symphony Chorus, The Duluth Playhouse's "Fiddler on the Roof," church choirs, and the Victory Chorus. He treasured his friendships, some of which date back to earliest boyhood. In everything, everywhere he modeled decency, honesty, kindness and service.

He is survived by daughters Linnea Swenson Tellekson (Jon), Deborah Swenson, Kristin Swenson (Craig Slingluff), grandson Leland Johnson and granddaughter Tallulah Hilding. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecile, and his brother, Robert Swenson. 

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon, on Friday, November 14, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church (1100 East Superior Street, Duluth 55802). If you would like to make a memorial gift, please send to:

Lutheran Social Service 2485 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108 https://www.lssmn.org/get-involved/donate

First Lutheran Church 1100 E. Superior St., Duluth MN 55802 https://www.flcduluth.org/give/

Save the Boundary Waters P.O. Box 625, Ely MN 55731 https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/donate2025

A special thank you to Bente W. Jensen for taking a wonderful photograph of our dad!

The service will be livestreamed on First Lutheran's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/FirstLutheranDuluth