Obituary
Lois A. Swenson, of
Minneapolis MN and Arena WI, died tragically in her home on June 6, 2012.
She was born on Nov 27, 1935 in Dodgeville, WI to Kenneth and Inez
Swenson and was raised on the family dairy farm in Arena. Core values
were established there as she learned to love raising chickens, picking apples
and eating healthy foods. Sharing these gifts was a favorite part of her life.
After her 1953 graduation from Arena
High School, she attended Luther College in Decorah, IA, graduating in 1957.
She briefly taught in Golden, CO, but soon returned to the Midwest, teaching in
the Robbinsdale School District, at Northport, Forest, and Sunny Hollow schools
until her retirement.
Lois traveled widely, progressing
from tourist to a tireless advocate as she became immersed in peace, social
justice and environmental issues. She taught us how to live with less, and to
take care of the environment and each other. She lived lightly on the earth but
left a huge impact on everyone she met.
Lois
dedicated her life to advocating for justice in ways large and small—engaging children
in their community and in the broader world, and teaching all that we are our
brothers’---and sisters’ keeper.
Lois walked in the shoes of her neighbors—from
farmers in Wisconsin to her Minneapolis neighbors, from the campesinos of
Central America to the Oromos from the Horn of Africa; from the farm of
Wisconsin to the sustainability movement and community gardening. She was respected for her persistent work for
peace in the world, protecting the earth,
and regaining a sense of community with our neighbors and in the world.
Lois was also a national advocate for economic reforms for retaining family
farms and using sustainable and organic farming practices.
She was preceded in death by her
parents and infant sister, Joyce. Survivors include brothers Paul Swenson
(Judy), and Dean Swenson (Jan); nieces Dee Swenson (Bob Johnson), and Pam
Swenson-Komo (Gary); nephews Doug Swenson (Omar Lopez), Jeff Shapiro (Pam
Pierce), Paul Shapiro (Jayne Bernasconi) and Ken Swenson (Joy Morrey).
She is also survived by great nieces and nephews and by many friends.
A service to celebrate Lois’ life will
be held on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7520
Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 with reception to follow.
Her Wisconsin memorial service will be on Sunday, Aug. 12th, 3:00 p.m. at the
Arena VFW Hall, 514 Willow St, Arena WI 53503. Fellowship and a
potluck supper will follow. (The family will provide meat and beverages.)
Washburn-McReavy-Swanson Funeral Home, 1600 Lowry Ave.,
Minneapolis
