Gwen Swenson

Gwen Swenson, age 68, of Appleton, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a time of Remembrances from Noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Shooter’s Bar & Grill in Appleton. Interment will follow in the Appleton City Cemetery. Pastor Herbert Rotunda will officiate. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.  Arrangements are   with Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel in Appleton.

Gwenneth Marie Swenson was born in Graceville, Minnesota, the daughter of Bernard Fredrick Swenson and Carol Alice (Holman) Swenson. She was baptized at the Swedish Lutheran Church in rural Correll and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton, by Pastor Russert. She grew up in Odessa and Appleton, graduating from Appleton High School.

After high school Gwen moved to Willmar where she attended Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute and later worked for Jennie-O. In 1981, Gwen gave birth to her son, Juston, whom she loved and cherished. She and Juston spent many nights playing Yahtzee and going to the casino. They had a special bond that many people would be jealous of.

Gwen moved back to Appleton in 1986. She worked at the Apple Café where she soon became known as the best cook around. She worked several jobs which involved being out with the public, including J&J and Sinclair.

Gwen played softball and was an outstanding pitcher. She was also an excellent bowler. She liked to play pool, throw darts, and play the slots. She played more cards than you can imagine. There wasn’t a garage sale she could pass up. Gwen collected shoes, purses, and cardinals, loved to tend to her yard, and in her younger years would show people how to do a handstand on the high board at the swimming pool!

Gwen is survived by her son, Juston Swenson of Appleton; her siblings: Lyle (Barb) Swenson of Raymond, Ken (Grace) Swenson of Coon Rapids,  Rick (Brenda) Swenson of New London, Julie (Virgil) Anderson of Benson, Terry (Pat) Swenson of Appleton, Randy (Kim) Swenson of Alexandria, Brenda Graw of Ramsey, and Carmen Swenson of Appleton; Gwen’s special friend, Norm Veland of Appleton, and his family: Cory (Kelly) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Elijah (Desi) of Appleton; and her  numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Carol Swenson; brother, Eldred Swenson; sisters: Jeronica Swenson, Carol “Snookes” Swenson, and Eunice Wilts; and nephews Jared Swenson, Jeffery Anderson, and Ryan Anderson. Blessed be the memory of Gwen Swenson.