Newfolden – Beverly Swenson, 85 of Newfolden, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Karlstad Senior Living.
Beverly Jeanne Nelson was born April 22, 1937 in Thief River Falls, the daughter of Lawrence and Evelyn (Mathewson) Nelson. Beverly had one older sister, Pat. She was baptized July 28, 1937 by Rev. E.O. Sabo and confirmed at Germantown Lutheran Church. She attended Country School #76 in Grand Plain Township and graduated from Goodridge High School in the class of 1955.
Beverly had a beautiful, ready smile and loved to playfully tease her loved ones. Beverly loved to sing and her music teacher once told her that he believed she would become a professional singer. She even did a recording with him that was played on KTRF radio. She was crowned Northwest Dairy Princess June 14th of 1955.
Following graduation, at a movie one evening, Beverly met the love of her life Clyde Swenson. Shortly after, she moved to California to live with her Grandma Lucy, but she and Clyde continued to correspond in letters. They were married the following year, September 1, 1956 at Telemarken Lutheran Church, rural Goodridge. On their first date, they went to a dance, and they spent the next 60 plus years dancing together.
The couple lived in California the first winter and then settled in rural Thief River Falls. To this union four children were born, Craig Mason, Todd Alan, Wendy Jean and Scott Steven. In 1966 they made their home just west of Newfolden and remained in the area since then.
Clyde and Beverly had a dairy herd and she worked hard on the farm milking cows and managing four children while Clyde was working on the road. She never complained and always made the endless work they had to do fun. She was a mother to be thankful for. 1 Peter 3:4 says, “You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” You never heard Beverly say an unkind word about anyone and she exemplified the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. She was a beautiful person inside and out. A precious memory to her children was sitting on the biggest bed upstairs and having their mom read to them each night before bed. She passed on her love for reading to her family.
Beverly worked various jobs in the area once her kids were older including, Lokstad Rolling Pins, the Newfolden Post Office and she was the neighborhood Avon lady for many years. She worked at the hospital for 18 years where she was known as, “Bev the Baker,” and she also catered for weddings and other events for several years.
Beverly also enjoyed playing cards and games with friends and neighbors. She loved having her family gather and making great meals for them. Her family will all agree that one of their most precious memories was of Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house each year with food, gifts, the Christmas Story and a lot of singing, laughter and love. Beverly dearly loved each member of her family and was very proud of them all. Another cherished memory of this special mother, grandmother, and grandma great was her dancing with Clyde. Always smiling, as she was whirled around the kitchen by the love of her life.
Beverly was a member of Westaker Free Lutheran Church and Newfolden American Legion Auxiliary. She was very involved in church, taught Sunday school for many years and was active in the Newfolden community. Beverly maintained a beautiful yard and loved her flowers.
In 2019 following the loss of Clyde, Beverly moved into the Meadows in Karlstad. She was the eternal optimist and encourager for everyone there. She met her friend Dean there and he was a good friend and game partner for her.
Beverly had been longing to go home to Jesus as the pain and effects from her Parkinson’s disease progressed. The night before her passing, Wendy was praying for her mother to have no pain the next day so she could come to Thanksgiving dinner. Her prayer was answered, and she celebrated Thanks-
giving in heaven. Although she will be dearly missed, her family is so thankful to know that she is now completely healed and her days of pain and tears are over.
Survivors include her children, Craig (Joni) Swenson of Perham, Todd (Barb) Swenson of Newfolden, Wendy (Rick) Smith of Viking, and Scott (Jennifer) Swenson of Middle River; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and neighbors.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia “Pat” Panek, in 2017; and her husband, Clyde in 2019.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Friday, December 2 at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at church. The service to celebrate Beverly’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 3 at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden, with Pastor Kevin Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Opdahl Cemetery, rural Newfolden.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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