Clinton Horace Swenson — Rochester

Clinton Horace Swenson, 87, passed away peacefully Friday, July 19, 2013, at 5:49 p.m.

He was born in Albert Lea on Nov. 8, 1925, the only child of Kenneth and Edith Swenson. Following his graduation from Albert Lea High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1943, and participated in the occupation of Japan. On Aug. 17, 1947, he married his high school girlfriend, Doris Elaine Rye at the First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. Together they raised five children. He spent his entire working career with NW Bell Telephone Company, transferring from Albert Lea to Austin and to Rochester, retiring in 1984. After retirement, he and a partner began G&S Telephone Company for a number of years, installing PBX Systems.

His favorite hobbies were gardening and woodworking, making many beautiful pieces for all the family to enjoy. He had been in ill health for four years. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the VFW. Semper Fi.

Survivors include his wife, Dorry; two sons, Jed Swenson of Woodbury, and Jamie (Sue) Swenson of Palm Harbor, Fla.; three daughters, Susie (Mike) Brumm of Rochester, Julie Hammes of Rochester, Valerie Fordham and special friend, Louie Maccini of Mantorville; 14 grandchildren, Mark (Laci) Swenson, Mike Swenson, Heather Andrews, Brian Swenson, Michelle (Tom) Hill, Cori (Phillip) Berg, Nikki Martino, Andrew (Jaclyn) Brumm, Angie (Steve) Mosley, Shannon (Jarrett) Jedlicka, Benjamin (Jill) Hammes, Alyssa (Brandon) Vagt, Christopher (Amanda) Fordham, and Amy Fordham; and 24 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W. in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Pastor Karna Hagen and Chaplain Warren Anderson will be officiating.

A special thank you for all of the professional care for Clint from Saint Marys 3rd floor Joseph (Adam) and Mayo Hospice Care, especially Susan, Theresa and Jen. Bless you all.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester MN 55901. 507-289-3600.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com .