Ardis F. Swenson, 85

Ardis F. Swenson, age 85, of River Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, Dec. 31, at the River Falls Area Hospital.

She was born the daughter of Olaf and Mary (Jenson) Nestrud on April 19, 1927, in Jackson, Minn. Ardis was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1945. She met and fell in love with John Swenson in July 1946, and the couple married Sept. 14, 1947, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson. Ardis worked for Gould National Battery, Sperry Univac, Towne Shop, and the UWRF library system.

She was very talented at sewing and especially china painting, which included dishes, jewelry, and belt buckles made for her family and brought to many craft fairs. For many years, she was the clerk for the Town of Kinnickinnic. Ardis was very active in her church, volunteering for numerous activities and serving as secretary on the church council, Sunday school superintendent and teacher, and LCW. She was a long-time member of the River Falls Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed time with the Good Sam Kinni Campers. John and Ardis enjoyed many trips together, dancing, and spending time on the farm. She loved to play the piano and often volunteered to play at the local nursing homes. Her family remembers her as a wonderful cook and baker who loved a good joke. She instilled Christian faith in her family and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She will be missed by her son, Bob (Kathy) Swenson; daughter, Toni Christiansen; grandchildren, Kelly (Scott) Firlus, Craig (Sara) Swenson, Tracy (Jason) Nolan, David (Amanda) Swenson, Brenda (Eric) Lund; great-grandchildren, Dawson and Morgan Firlus, John and William Swenson, Andy and Erin Nolan; siblings Irene (Vern) Waxon, Leonard (Muriel) Nestrud, Anita Smith, Floyd (Marie) Nestrud, Marlyce (Allan) Huppert; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Ardis was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Mary; husband, John; infant son, Gregory; son-in-law, David Lubich; two infant grandsons; sisters Muriel and Pearl; brothers Orvin, Maynard, Truman, and Donald.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Rush River Lutheran Church in rural River Falls. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Rush River Lutheran Church, and also Saturday from 12-1 p.m. before the service at church. Interment will be in Rush River Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.

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