Bradley Swenson
December 28, 1965 ~ May 31, 2017
Brad, age 51, was born on December 28, 1965 in Moorhead, MN, to Ralph Monroe Swenson and Delight Ann (Ruther) Swenson.
After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Brad passed away on Wednesday, May 31 at his home in Fargo, ND surrounded by family.
He graduated from Moorhead Senior High in 1984 and from North Dakota State University in 1989. He studied law at Denver University in Denver, CO and graduated in 1992 a member of the Order of St. Ives, DU’s highest academic achievement.
Career highlights for Brad include, graduating from the Hague Academy of International Law, in the Netherlands, passing the Bar exam, serving as Judicial Clerk to Chief Justice Edward D. Robertson of the Missouri Supreme Court, being appointed Assistant Special Council for the Waco investigation in St. Louis, MO in 1999, and campaigning for the Office of Mayor of Fargo in 2005. All of which prepared him for his final role as President of Sterling Management, LLC.
Prior to attending Law School in Denver, Brad married his High School sweetheart, Anne Vanyo in Moorhead, MN on July 29, 1989. Brad’s legal career took them to various cities and eventually back to Fargo-Moorhead, where they raised two boys, Ben and Andy. One of Brad’s favorite activities was taking his boys to Maplewood State Park where he would find the perfect objects to photograph.
Throughout his life, Brad was a committed and loyal husband and father. He found inspiration in creative outlets such as gourmet cooking and photography. To Brad, these two activities were an expression of his artistic abilities.
Brad is survived by his wife, Anne; sons, Ben and Andy; parents, Ralph and Delight; brother, Jon; sister, Shelley (Dave) Nelson; nieces and nephews, Lexi, Levi, Emiley, Ana and Ean; and extended family and friends. Brad also leaves behind a legacy of timeless art that he hopes the world will enjoy.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and father-in-law, Andy Vanyo; his aunt, Ginny, and his cousin, Robert Newbrey.
Memorials are preferred to Friends of Maplewood State Park – PO BOX 259 Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
FUNERAL SERVICE: 11 AM Monday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN
VISTIATION: 5-7 PM Sunday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church – and also one hour prior to the service in the church on Monday
PRAYER SERVICE: 7 PM Sunday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
BURIAL: 4:00 PM Monday at Immanuel Cemetery near Flom, MN
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Andy and family,
Please know we are praying for strength for you and we are sorry for your loss.
Rylee Bakkegard
So sad that Brad’s life ended too early. Prayers for his amazing wife and sons!
Ann
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys as you go through this tough time .
My heart dropped yesterday when I read that you had passed away. I am so sorry to hear this news. We grew up together in the “neighborhood” went to school together, played in the streets and yard on 12th street north in Moorhead. We hadn’t seen each other for many years, but I remember the “Good Ole days” thank you for being you Brad. Sending up prayers for your loved ones left behind, praying for peace in their hearts.
Gone way too young. But now you are restored to perfect health and will enjoy life in Eternity +
Rest in Peace my fellow Spud ~ Hugs, Beth Sveum +
Anne & family,
Sending my condolences and prayers in this time of grief.
With derby love,
Miranda
My deepest condolences to the family of Brad. Loosing a loved one to the hands of death is painful. However, God promises that he will help us get through anything as long as we throw our burdens to him, trusting that he will console us (Psalms 55:22). May the love of God and of those around you help you get through these difficult times.
Ann, Ben, Andy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for Jesus to be close to you in this difficult time.
My thought and prayers go out to Ralph and Delight and all of Brad’s family. Brad was such a talented and gifted individual and will truly be missed. My condolences….
Steve@Becky Moltzan
So sorry for your loss. Brad was a wonderful business person and I always enjoyed working with him as he advanced through his career. Cherish the memories and may his wit and love for life live on.
Thoughts and prayers for your family. May Jesus strengthen you at this time.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for you and the entire family.
Oh Anne….my heart is heavy for you and the boys.
I have no words but that I love you!
Cousin Michelle
I’m so sorrry to hear Brad has lost this battle. He will carry on in your hearts and wait for you all in heaven. He’s probably already fishing with grandpa. My sympathies, Ralph and Delight, It’s so horrible to lose your child. Prayers for healed hearts and love filled memories to get you through.
Ann and family –
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So sorry for the
loss of Brad.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Becky Thom
He was a good man with many talents.
My deepest sympathy to the Family of Brad… shocking to see this news.. prayers to his family and RIP Brad.
Please know our thoughts and prayers continue for you Anne, Ben & Andy during this difficult time.
My heartfelt sadness and love to you and the boys. Praying the Grace of God showers and covers you all.
Love You Tons Cousin😘 Rest!!!! Will Keep Your Family In My Thoughts And Prayers!!
Cheryl & Richard Cochran
I am so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you all and praying for you.
I am so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing
Rest in Peace Brad ~ You will be dearly missed.
The Grimley Family
I was a former co-worker of Brads, what an awesome person, so sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Marybeth Workin
Anne, I saw Brad’s passing in the Saturday paper. Sorry to hear about this loss to you and your family. It’s been too long– I hope you are doing well. Stay Strong and know I am thinking and praying for you.
Very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Had some good visits with him at church. Always such a nice guy. He was a very talented guy but I didn’t realize he was such a talented photographer. God’s peace with you all.
Delight, I just saw that Brad passed away. I am so very sorry for your loss. Its been a long time but I remember hearing all about Brad when we worked together. I just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you and your family. Love and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Loss can be very tough. Keep your faith strong. Peace be with you.
Anne and Family,
We continue to pray for you.
Brad was an amazing guy. He and I attended the Fargo Moorhead Chamber Leadership together. Always funny, always had a vision. I was certain he would be Governor.
A great memory for me, Brad invited us along with many others for an Italian dinner and then to the opera. Before we left for the opera. Brad pulled me aside, handed me a a Limoncello and we toasted a great evening and a great event. I moved away from Fargo inn 2003, but we were able to stay in touch at a distance. I am sorry for your loss. The world lost a truly good one with Brad Swenson.. Soli Deo Gloria!.
I did not know Brad well and had not talked to him since high school. But, what I do remember is his kindness, his jovial spirit, and his wonderful sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Anne.
You are one of a kind, Brad Swenson, and will be missed. I will always think fondly of our Red Team! Thank you for sharing your smile and gifts with us. Thinking of your family and wishing them the fondest of memories, and peace.
I was lucky enough to clerk with Brad at the Missouri Supreme Court after law school. What an amazing intellect and personality. Big-hearted, brilliant, curious, hard-working, devoted husband, interesting, compassionate, spiritual, and encouraging of others. Very sorry to hear of your loss Anne. Love to you and your family.