Peggy K. Swensen

peggy k. swensen
Peggy's service will be live streamed below starting at 9:45 AM on Saturday:
Peggy Swensen went to her heavenly home on April 11, 2020. This was a special day, as it would have been her 61st wedding anniversary, to her husband, John. Peggy Kathleen O’Neil Swensen was born May 30, 1937 to Alice (Gudal) and Robert Thomas O’Neil in Minneapolis MN. Peggy grew up and graduated from high school in Rochester, MN. She attended Augsburg College and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (RN). She married John Swensen in 1959 while he was a student at Luther Seminary. Peggy was a nurse in Highmore SD, Williston ND, Bottineau ND, and Wausau, WI. All of these towns were where her husband served as pastor. In 1999 they retired and moved to Fargo, ND. She is survived by her 3 children Steven (Kris) Swensen, Denver CO, Rebecca (Doug) Pehling, Lake Havasu City AZ, and Maren (Rich) Kramer, Fargo ND; 8 grandchildren: Zach (Meagan) Swensen, Kelli (Bryan) McGrane; Andria (Thomas)Taylor, Monica Larson, Ben Pehling, and Jordan (Anthony) Viera; Joshua Kramer, and Ben Kramer; 5 great-grandchildren, well as cousins, grand nieces and nephews. Family and church were Peggy’s lifelong passions, and she was committed to and enjoyed her nursing career. Vacations were often spent visiting family and camping! Throughout her life, her faith remained constant, active and strong. She loved her church family, even when she couldn’t attend. Peggy volunteered as a Parish Nurse at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, Olivet’s Befriender Program, at the ELCA Eastern ND Synod office, and Eagles Elementary School-all in Fargo ND. She was a prayer warrior for our world and the people she loved and cared about. In her later years, seeing and hearing from her children, her grandchildren and even her great grandchildren were among her greatest joys! Peggy was loved by so many, and will be greatly missed. If you desire, memorials could be sent to Olivet Lutheran Church, 1330 University Dr S, Fargo, ND 58103 or Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th St S, Ste 101, Fargo, ND 58103.

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  1. Our deepest condolences to the Swensen family! Peggy (& John) were wonderful examples of God’s love. Peggy, I am really going to miss our conversations — i already do. I know how much you have missed John, may you now rest in peace with him surrounded by God’s love!
    Alice, Darrold and “Joey” Engel

  2. Oh how we loved having your parents with us at Olivet! I want to express my sympathy to you on the loss of Peggy. She always had good lessons for me wrapped in stories of you. Today when I read your names in the obituary, I recalled her voice as she spoke them. She loved you all so dearly and was very proud of your accomplishments and faith. I am glad she is rejoining her beloved John in heaven.

  3. Except for my sincere sympathy to the whole family, I don’t have much to say except Peggy & I graduated together. There was about 350 students in our class & I did not have any association with her. Our paths just didn’t cross – at least that I can remember! May God give you-all peace during this difficult time.

  4. Peggy , what a wonderful person I met her when she living in Wausau, wi. I be came great friend with her and John during that time. So sad to hear that we lost this wonderful and caring person. My condolences to her family.

  5. Peggy was a nurse and mentor to me when she worked at VNA in Wausau. She was the nurse of many of my home care patients in Athens, Edgar and Marathon. At the time, I was a CNA but she always encouraged me to go on for my RN degree, which I eventually did. She had such a cheerful and encouraging way about her. I treasure the time I worked with her!

  6. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rebecca and your family on the passing of you mother. We know no words can ever express the ache in your hearts….our deepest sympathies to you and all the family. John & Lil Pehling

  7. So sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. You do not know me but I remember Peggy and John at Gloria Dei Church in Williston, ND. I remember spending time with your parents when my foster parents would visit your parents and the times the ministers from the area would meet at Bismarck Holiday Inn motel. We would all swim and our parents would order pizza and beer. At the time I was 16 yrs old and hadn’t ever seen ministers drink a beer. You can understand all confused I was but they only had one or so no one ever was drunk. I remember all the good times. Dave, Joann, Kari, Kevin Kent Knutson and myself would visit at your home. Dave was a minister at St. Olaf Church in Grenora. My prayers are with you and the families of Peggy. She was such a nice lady may she Rest in Peace . I’m very thankful I was blessed with such good people around me like Peggy and Pastor John.

  8. We at Olivet loved Peggy and John and will miss Peggy so much. It was always so much fun to have coffee and doughnuts in learning and sharing and be able to sit with her at one of the tables which was a lot. She would share so many times with her children and what she and Johns early life was like in ministry. All the different Church’s John would serve on one Sunday Morning.

  9. Al and I were filled with warm memories of Peggy as we read her obituary. John and Peggy were two of our favorite people at Olivet. They were much loved by so many people!
    Connie Santwire

  10. We’re very sorry for your loss of Peggy. I have many fond memories of both John and Peggy from the Bottineau days many years ago. I always felt welcome at the Swenson’s home and am grateful for knowing them both. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  11. My cousin, Peggy, was more like an auntie than a cousin for she was one of the first and I am the last of the Gudal grandchildren. I remember her ever-present smile and her direct way of communicating. I think we shared that direct communication gene! She and her brother, Bob, were the glue that kept the family together. They shared that greatly appreciated talent. Peggy is missed by us all…may the memories sustain all who knew and lived her.

  12. I am with you today❤️

    What a wonderful woman who helped many.
    Peggy also lived her life full of love, as reflected in her children and grandchildren❤️

  13. So glad that we are able to join in this celebration oh Peggy’s life.
    Her life was filled with compassion, friendship and love for all God’s
    children. She held her family close and loved to share their antics
    and accomplishments. We miss her as a dear friend.

  14. Loved the service. I did shed some tears as I heard, “It is well”. God’s loving arms hold you all.

  15. Wonderful service for your mom/grandma. So glad it was streamed.

    I love this quote from the minister, “Peggy spoke the truth accidentally on purpose, out loud.

    Love to all of the Swenson family members. Steve, Josh, Ben, and Monica, it was great to see you and hear your voices.

    Love to all of you🌹

  16. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we celebrate Peg’s life. I cherish the memories we made as young cousins with visits to Rochester and holidays at Grandma and Grandpa’s and our house in Mpls. When Peg was in college she spent much time with us and eventually brought John to meet us. We all approved! Our family gatherings and birthdays have kept us close. The service today was beautiful and moving, a wonderful way to say good-bye for now!
    Love to all of you,

  17. Thank you for the opportunity to share in the Celebration of Life of Peggy, a dear neighbor and mentor from Bottineau. The entire Family was a “true neighbor”, and we miss all of you, but keep you in mind all these years. Our Sympathy and Prayers to all for you Loss, and know that Peggy and John are watching an guiding you and yours from Above, in the company of the Angels, and Communion of Saints.


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