Emil Swanson, 93

ÝÝÝ Thief River Falls - Emil Swanson, 93, died on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at the CNC unit of Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, August 14, at the Oak Ridge Lutheran Church in rural Thief River Falls, with Rev. Luther Peterson officiating. Casket bearers included John Helgenset, Rodney Helgenset, Duane Vatsaas, Duane Olson, Don Dyrdal and Martin Solseng. Interment was held at the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

ÝÝÝVisitation will be held 5 to 8 p.m on Friday, August 13, 2004 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the services at the church.

ÝÝÝEmil Gilman Swanson was born on July 18, 1911 on the family farm in rural Thief River Falls, to Peter P. and Ella (Peterson) Swanson. He was baptized on September 3, 1911 by Pastor Lockram and confirmed on June 2, 1926 at the Oak Ride Lutheran Church. He attended country school at the Roosevelt Country School.

ÝÝÝHe was united in marriage to Evelyn Helgenset on June 24, 1950 in Bemidji. They made their home on a farm west of Thief River Falls where Emil continued to farm. In addition to farming, Emil was employed by the Highway Department. He then worked for Walker Sand & Gravel of Thief River Falls during the 1950ís and 1960ís. Emil was most recently employed by Arctic Cat, retiring from there in 1982. Emil and Evelyn moved from their farm into Thief River in 1982. Emil and Evelyn moved into Riverside Terrace Apartments in March of this year.

ÝÝÝEmil was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors. He also enjoyed music and dancing. He was a member of the Oak Ridge Lutheran Church where he was the oldest living member and had the longest membership. He was also a member of the Eagles.

ÝÝÝEmil is survived by his wife Evelyn of Thief River Falls; one daughter, Sharon Andrews (Jim Holladay) of Nashville, Tenn.; one grandson; one great-grandchild; one sister, Clara Larson of Bellingham, Wash.; and four nephews and three nieces.

ÝÝÝHe was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Alice Diddy; and one brother Palmer.

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