Ordean Swenson
December 21, 1935 ~ November 25, 2023
Born in:
Rollag, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Ordean’s Funeral Mass will be livestreamed below at 2pm, Thursday, November 30, 2023
Ordean J. Swenson, age 87 of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on November 25, 2023, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, surrounded by family members.
Ordean was born on December 21, 1935, near Rollag, Minnesota to parents Oliver and Manda (Oas) Swenson. He attended a one-room grade school near Rollag and high school at Barnesville High School. He served as an Electrician’s Mate in the US Navy during peacetime, 1955-57, in the Great Lakes region. Ordean met and later married Elizabeth (Betty) Schlegel in 1960 at Holy Spirit Church in Fargo. After living briefly in Fargo and then in north Moorhead, Ordean and Betty settled on a few wooded acres north of Moorhead, where he built their home and several outbuildings.
After the Navy Ordean worked construction jobs with Camerud and Foss and North Dakota State University before becoming a cabinet builder at Moorhead State University (now Minnesota State University) for many years. While at MSU he completed an Associate’s degree on the GI Bill. In addition, he volunteered in his church and children’s school, designing and building altars, a baptism font, benches, kneelers and cabinets. One of his proudest achievements was designing and building a replica Liberty Bell.
As a family man, Ordean enjoyed socializing at family gatherings and loved his grandkids, attending their events and making various wood items for them. He especially enjoyed spending time with the family at their lake property.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth; children Tim (Kelly) of Barnesville, MN, Karen (Bob) Kruger of Sisters, OR, Brenda (Tim) Fulford of Minnetrista, MN; grandchildren Anna Bouillerce, Alexandra Kruger, Matthew, Nicholas, and Christopher Fulford; siblings Robert (Joan), David (Wanda), Lorraine (Ben), Lawrence (Sharon), Armand (Nonie), Adeline (Jerry) and numerous nephews and nieces.
Ordean was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings Donald and Maxine, and son Brian.
Funeral: Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo.
Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery North in Fargo.
Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.
Special thanks to the staff at Sanford Hospice House for their excellent, compassionate care.
Services
Visitation: November 30, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo, ND
1420 7th St N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-5900
https://holyspiritfargo.com/
Mass of Christian Burial: November 30, 2023 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo, ND
1420 7th St N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-5900
https://holyspiritfargo.com/
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Greetings. It has been a very long time since I have seen any of the Swenson family, but my memories of the St.Francis days are all good ones. I remember Ordean well. He was always kind to me and was a positive presence in my life. My time spent with both Karen and Brenda, no matter what we were doing, was so awesome. I think that is a huge testament to their parents. I will be thinking about the whole Swenson crew during this difficult time and wish them peace.
Renee Baker – Erickson
I was so saddened to hear of Ordean’s passing. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to make it to his funeral. My memories of Ordean are great ones! He was always a wonderful man to be around. I especially remember him and Betty at my wedding where they were our host couple. I can see it every time I look at my wedding book. I keep up with what’s happening in the family from mom and dad. You are all never far from my thoughts. My love and condolences go out to you, at this very difficult time, and always.
Tim, Kelly and the whole Swenson family.
You’re in our prayers as you grieve the loss of Tim’s dad. May you find comfort in knowing he is with our Lord.
God’s blessing to your family.
Kevin and Beth Clyde
Medora
We were sorry to hear of Ordean’s passing. He was always such a warm and welcoming man. At the same time, we give thanks to the Lord for the long life he had. I remember my parents (Skip and Mary) always had a great deal of respect for Ordean. Betty, you and your entire family remain in our prayers. – Paul and Nancy Morth
My sympathies to Ordeans family. I was a student at Moorhead State University in the early 70s. I worked with Ordean and Gorden on the work study program. I also helped pour the cement in the basement when Ordean was building his house.
I truly enjoyed both of them.
Good memories.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Deepest condolences.
Pam Harrison