Gerry Swenson

Geraldine Gerry' Swenson, age 92, of St. James, died on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato. Funeral services will be 11am, Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James with Rev. Mandy France officiating. Masks will be required for the funeral. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday beginning at 9:30am. A private family burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Augustana Lutheran Church or donor's choice. Geraldine "Gerry" Ann (Petterson) Swenson was born September 9, 1929, to Leslie and Hazel (Miller) Petterson in LaSalle, MN. She was the middle child in a family of five children. She spent most of her childhood in the St. James area and graduated from St. James High School in 1945. In 1950 she met the love of her life, Bertil "Bert" Swenson. They were united in marriage on October 21, 1951, and were blessed with 70 years of marriage to one another. Over the course of their life together they raised four children, Cathy (Gary) Vanderbilt, Vicki (Jeff) Nessler, Karla (Dallas) Janes and Mark (Patti) Swenson. They were also graced with 10 grandchildren, Marti (George) Barrow, Mike (SangMi) Vanderbilt, Ann (Brian) Luethmers, Andy (Christine) Nessler, Jay (Angie) Nessler, Scott (Katie) Nessler, Kyle Ryan, Christopher Ryan, Zachary (Mary) Swenson, Nathan (Megen) Swenson and 14 great grandchildren. Gerry's family was always her most prized possession. She loved attending their special activities, celebrations and sporting events. It was a joy for her to host holidays whenever possible. She enjoyed traveling to see relatives out of state, making Christmas stockings for everyone in the family, and playing games of Yahtzee, 31, Garbage Card Game, or "The Dice Game." When she wasn't busy with her family, she could be found baking delicious treats, (lefse and rye bread were family favorites), attending events at Augustana Lutheran Church, playing bridge or having coffee with dear friends. Gerry passed away peacefully surrounded by Bert and family on December 11, 2021 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her but her memories will forever stay in our hearts. She is survived by her husband Bert, her four children and their families, sister in-law Ardis Petterson, many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lyle and Bud, and sisters Joyce and Carol. Visitation 1 9:30 am - 11:00 am Thursday, December 16, 2021 Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Thursday, December 16, 2021 Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 At a later date.