Orlan Swenson

Orlan Rodney Swenson, 78, was born on Nov. 26, 1941 to Oswald and Glenda (Braaten) Swenson in Breckenridge, MN. Orlan grew up in Kindred, ND graduating from Kindred High School in 1959. He attended North Dakota State University and was a fraternity member at Alpha Gamma Rho. He graduated in 1964 with a degree in Mechanized Agriculture. On June 28, 1964, Orlan married Elaine Ulness at Norman Lutheran Church. They lived and farmed near Kindred where they raised their four children. Farming was not just a profession for Orlan, it was a passion. He loved working with the land and observing the growing cycles of nature, getting up with the sun and ending his day when the work was done. Orlan was highly involved in the community and was a member of the Jaycees, Kindred Lions Club, Kindred Elevator board, and was an active parishioner at Norman Lutheran Church. Orlan had a knack for fixing just about anything that needed to be fixed and was skilled at woodworking and carpentry. He enjoyed challenges and figuring out how to engineer a solution. He loved traveling and going on ski trips with family, playing cards with friends and watching his grandkids in their various activities. He spent many weekends at the lake cottage in Minnesota. He also loved sunsets, pontoon rides and popcorn. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elaine and his three daughters, Dr. Dana Swenson (Hans-Peter Kiem) of Seattle, Leslie (Greg) Pozen of Chicago and Tricia Swenson (Mike Norvell) of Vail, Colorado and his son, Derek (Jen) of Kindred; ten grandchildren Erika and Anna Kiem, Alyssa and Leah Pozen, Haily and Amanda Norvell, Karl, Jorgen, Kylan and Asher Swenson and two sisters, Marilyn (Alfred) Giddings of Albuquerque, NM and Eileen Lund of West Fargo and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Oswald and Glenda Swenson. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m on Saturday, Sept. 5 with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fredrikson-Boulger Funeral Chapel in Kindred. The funeral will be held at Norman Lutheran Church on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be observed. The services will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website and recordings will be posted following. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice.