Bertil Henning Swenson

Bertil “Bert” Henning Swenson, 96, formerly of St. James, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023 surrounded by his four children at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato, Minnesota.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. Memorials are preferred to Augustana Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Bert was born September 6, 1927 to Albert and Blanche Swenson in Ortonville, Minnesota. He graduated from Ortonville High School in 1945 and served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946. After his service he earned his pharmaceutical sciences degree from South Dakota State University, graduating in 1950.

That same year, Bert met Geraldine “Gerry” Petterson. The couple was married on October 21, 1951. They were blessed with 70 years of marriage and together raised four children.

From 1950 to 2001, Bert was the part-owner and then owner of Sward Kemp Drug Store in St. James.

Bert was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church. He served on the church council, served many pancake suppers and sang in the choir.

He was a loving family man and loyal friend. As a father and grandfather, Bert spent much of his time enjoying the activities of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed family outings, including his annual Canadian fishing trips and visits to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He enjoyed golfing with his many friends, playing bridge, and having coffee with the Three Penny Coffee Club.

Bert will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his four children, Cathy (Gary) Vanderbilt of Watertown, Minnesota, Vicki (Jeff) Nessler of Mankato, Minnesota, Karla (Dallas) Janes of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Mark (Patti) Swenson of Chaska, Minnesota; ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and family in Sweden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Blanche; his brother, Cliff; and his wife, Gerry.