Ardis Swenson

Ardis Jane (Peterson) Swenson, age 84 of Thompson, died on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice in Mason City. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 201 4th St. NE in Buffalo Center, with Pastor Eric Hullstrom officiating. Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church on Saturday. Burial will take place in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Ardis Jane (Peterson) Swenson was born January 11, 1938 in Freeborn County, MN to parents Herbert and Dena (Halvorson) Peterson. She grew up on her mother’s family farm Southeast of Emmons, MN. Ardis was baptized on February 6, 1938 and confirmed on June 22, 1952 at Somber Lutheran Church east of Lake Mills. She attended country school before starting 4th grade in Lake Mills, graduating from LMHS in 1956. Shortly after, she began working in Minneapolis as a secretary for a short time.

On April 23, 1960, she married Dick Swenson at Somber Lutheran Church, and they were blessed with two children (Michael D. Swenson on July 8, 1961 and John M. Swenson on August 15, 1966).

Throughout her life, she worked many different jobs and was also very active at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, and took part in WELCA circles. After retiring, she became interested in quilting, sewing many quilts for Lutheran Relief, which was such a joy for her. Most recently, she was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center.

Ardis and Dick traveled to many different states throughout their lifetime. Nature and the outdoors were always special to them.

According to Ardis, “in 1971, when I asked God to be to be merciful to me, a sinner - immediately my heart was opened to God’s grace, and the truth of God’s Word entered my heart and at that exact time, he became my Savior and Lord.”

Ardis is survived by her daughter in-law, Joan (Brennan) Swenson of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, John Brennan Swenson and Annika Rose Swenson, both students at the University of Iowa in Iowa City; she is also survived by her siblings, Darlene (Dwayne) Kittelson, Richard (Sonja) Peterson, Larry (Debbie) Peterson, and Diane Naser; brothers in-law, Jerry Goette, and Ade (Anne) Swenson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives

Ardis is preceded in death by her husband, Dick Swenson in October ’22; two sons, Michael Swenson in October ’17 and John Swenson in August ’66; both parents, Herbert (Dena) Peterson; sisters, Maxine (Bob) Gregerson and Delores Goette; father- and mother in-law, Adolph (Rose) Swenson; brothers and sisters in-law, Donald Swenson, Alan (Sharon) Swenson; Betty Ann Swenson, and Erwin Naser.

Blessed be her memory.

Memorials may be designated to Riverside Bible Camp, 3001 Riverside Rd., Story City, IA 50248 or Hope 4 Kids International, BOX 74010, Phoenix, AZ 85087.

Online condolences will reach the family at www.schottfuneralhomes.com