Merwyn A. Swenson

Merwyn Arthur Swenson, 89, died peacefully at his home on Monday, May 4, 2026. He was born March 5, 1937, in Red Wing, Minnesota, the oldest son of Milton W. and Luella (Young) Swenson.

He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1955 and attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture, graduating in 1957. He returned to the farm where he grew up and began working with his father. He enlisted in the U.S. Army reserves in 1958 and completed a six-month training at Fort Leonard Wood. He would serve until 1963.

Merwyn married Fayann Marie Bartels on September 2, 1961. The couple had three children. James (Doreen), of Fargo, ND, Jeffrey, Columbus, WI and Janet (Mark) Hansen, Rogers, MN.

Merwyn purchased the family farm in 1967, grew the dairy herd, and expanded the farm's beef herd and cattle feeding operations. He sold the cattle in 1992 and went to work for Sustane Natural Fertilizer and joined the Spring Garden Lutheran Church Choir. He worked for Sustane until 2020, retiring at age 83. Merwyn was a friend to everyone he met and spoke often about the many friendships he enjoyed. He never lost interest in farming and agriculture. He enjoyed keeping up to date by watching RFD-TV. He will be missed by many.

Merwyn is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother Richard. In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren, Brittany (Daigen) Afdahl, Cottage Grove; Hannah Swenson, Fargo, ND; Nolan and Caleb Hansen, Rogers, brother Willis (Marilyn) Swenson, Red Wing, and sister Margaret (Ken) Johnson, Red Wing, along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at on Monday, May 11 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 9:30 am - 11:00 am, at Spring Garden Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls. This service will be live-streamed and available to watch below. Interment with a military honors farewell will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to Spring Garden Lutheran Church.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Merwyn’s service via livestream, you can watch the service on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11:00 am. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.