Sharon Rae Swenson

Sharon Rae Swenson, of Culver, MN passed away January 6, 2022 in a local hospital while surrounded by her three children and sister. Not many people knew just how much pain Sharon was in her whole life because she never wanted to be a burden to anyone. She was stoic and upbeat with every trial and tribulation that came her way. Sharon had been in a hospital or rehab setting since late September. The last three months took such a toll on her. After Gus, the love of her life, passed away November 24th, 2021, the spark in her eyes dimmed. The family is living in the peace that she is more alive than ever before and reunited with her husband and her other two children. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Gust Swenson; also her son, Greg Swenson; and her daughter, Michele Swenson; and her brother, Jerry Greer.

Sharon, 78, born in Alborn, MN on March 23rd, 1943, was so many things to so many people! She was the wife and best friend to Gus Swenson for 60 years. The couple shared their home in Culver, MN where Sharon was a homemaker and mother to their 5 children. Many nieces, nephews, and friends of her children counted Sharon as a loving motherly figure and friend as her door was always open for extra hugs and homemade treats. After her children were grown, she went to work as a librarian at Albrook and then South Ridge schools, for the last 25 years, where she did more than just assist the kids with books. She also met their needs, whether that be with a hug, being an ear to listen with no bias, or making sure they had a meal, with no judgment only love. Sharon was a sister of secrets and friendship. She was faithful in her love to her Lord and Savior. Possibly Sharon’s favorite role in life was Grandma (aka Gram or Gaga) and Great Grandma (GiGi). Despite Gus’ loyalty to the Dallas Stars, Sharon was an avid Minnesota Wild fan. Her favorite teams, however, were the ones that included her children and grandchildren. Sharon wanted to make life better for people around her whether she knew them or not. Even the day of her death, Sharon was trying to give of herself, as an organ donor. She was a social butterfly and could have an ally in no time which is why not many crossed her. Her stubbornness and strength to rally was impressive, but so was her wittiness of sarcasm. She may have been gentle in many ways, but she was also fierce, especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. There is no doubt she would do whatever she could for them in any situation, but the most she did for all of them was pray continuously.

To put it simply, Sharon was a matriarch. When she spoke, people listened. She was full of gentle wisdom, but not to be underestimated, because she was the epitome of strength in every way. Sharon was a true Proverbs 31 woman. “She is worth more than rubies…Clothed with dignity and strength. Her children rise and call her blessed.”

The legacy Sharon leaves behind includes her three children and their spouses, Julie (Leroy) Eddy of Virginia, MN, Denise (Brian) Isaacson of Saginaw, MN, and Scott (Catie) Swenson of Texarkana, TX; 7 grandchildren, Kimberly (Marty) Moran of Winona, MN, Travis (Abbey) Eddy of Park City, UT, Zachary Isaacson of St. Louis Park, MN, Tiffany Isaacson of Duluth, MN, Grant, Tyler and SJ Swenson of Texarkana, TX; 3 great grandchildren, Jameson, Colter, and Little Gust; a special sister, Sandi Haggy of Duluth, MN, special nephew, Rick (Sarah) Greer of Culver, MN; as well as many other friends, relatives, and students.

The family wishes to celebrate the lives of Sharon and Gus on Tuesday, January 18th and invite all who want to join them for a joint service at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5779 Seville Road, Duluth, MN. Visitation to start at 1:00 PM with the service to follow at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sharon Swenson c/o Denise Isaacson, 6143 Seville Road, Saginaw, MN 55779. This money will be used for the benefit of the South Ridge School Library.

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