In Memory of Tom Swenson

Tom Swenson, age 86, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2017, at the Morningside Healthcare Community, of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Reverend Shari O’ Bannon will officiate, with committal services following in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Military Rites will be conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

                 Reuel Thomas “Tom” Swenson the son of Reuel Swen and Lucille Frances (Reister) Swenson was born on December 5, 1930 in Yankton, South Dakota. He graduated from Wakefield High School as a four sport letterman with the class of 1950.

             Tom continued his education by attending Technical College until he was drafted in August of 1952 into the United States Army. He was stationed in Pusan, Korea during the Korean Conflict in the Artillery Branch and also acted as the Army barber. After honorably serving his country for two years he was discharge in July of 1954.

Returning home, Tom went to work in the field of carpentry. A skilled carpenter Tom completed many projects.  On August 28, 1955 Tom married his true love Demaris Ann Wheeler in Wakefield, Nebraska. The couple settled in Wakefield and were blessed with two children a son Chuck and daughter Shelley. 

In May of 1960, the family relocated to Schaller, Iowa and in 1962 moved into their forever home in Ida Grove, Iowa. In Ida Grove Tom continued with his love of carpentry building many custom homes. Along with his other projects, Tom’s passion for colonial architecture and columns were displayed throughout his work.

Tom treasured building projects for his family and friends too. He built beautiful, detailed doll houses for charity and for each one of his granddaughters and great - granddaughters. He also enjoyed fishing while wintering in Texas, going to coffee with the guys, and caring for his apartments. Tom was very active and always on the go with a one of a kind smile on his face. He served on the advisory board for the carpentry department at Western Iowa Tech Community College, where he also was a long time sub for their carpentry program.

He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Ida Grove where he served as an Elder. Tom belonged to McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion, a mason in Ben Hur Lodge #611 A.F. & A.M. of Arthur, Iowa, and an Abu Bekr Shriner.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Reuel and Lucille Swenson; brothers Richard and Charlie Swenson; and sister-in-law Patty Swenson.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Demaris Ann Swenson of Ida Grove, IA; children Chuck (Cyndi) Swenson of Sioux City, IA and Shelley Bruning of Ida Grove, IA; grandchildren: Brandon Swenson, Damon (Janice) Swenson, Nicole Swenson, Jennifer (Michael) Beazley, Chris Bruning and Becky Bruning; great grandchildren: Jake, Madison, Jenna, Reuel, Kylie and Lexi; brother Donald Swenson of Aurora, CO; brother-in-law Dewey (Nancy) Wheeler; nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and friends.