Dr. Richard P. Swenson

Dr. Richard P. Swenson, age 76 of Dublin, Ohio, died Friday, February 20, 2026 at his home.

He was born on March 5, 1949 in Red Wing, Minnesota, a son of Milton and Luella (Young) Swenson.

He graduated Valedictorian from Cannon Falls High School in 1967 and Magna cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1971.

He worked as a research assistant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester before getting his Ph.D degree from the University of Minnesota in 1979.

From 1979 to 1984 he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

From 1984 until his retirement, he was a Professor of Biochemistry at the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Richard was Department Chair from 2000 to 2009.

A highlight for Richard was coming home at Christmas and preparing doppa i gryta (dip in the kettle, a Swedish tradition) for his siblings, nieces and nephews. He followed in his mother's footsteps continuing the tradition for 30 yearsl

He enjoyed sports, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team. He also loved to travel.

He is survived by his siblings, Merwyn Swenson, Willis (Marilyn) Swenson, Margaret (Kenneth) Johnson; nephews and nieces, James (Doreen) Swenson, Jeffrey Swenson, Janet (Mark) Hansen, Paula (John) Hogan, Kelly Jesh, Michael (Janna) Swenson, Kim Brown and Kevin Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Fayann Swenson; and nephew Kevin's wife, Cindy Johnson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am, at Spring Garden Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls. This service will be live-streamed and available to watch below.

Memorials may be given in Richard's memory to Spring Garden Lutheran Church or Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.

Any correspondence for the family, please mail to Lundberg Funeral Home, ATTN: Family of Richard Swenson, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls MN 55009.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Richard’s service via livestream, you can watch the service on Saturday, March 14, 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.