Laurie Swenson

Laura "Laurie" Jean Swenson, 61, of Raymond, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, February 2, after a two and a half year battle with cancer.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 6, at First Presbyterian Church in Willmar. A private burial will be at Oakside Cemetery in rural Atwater. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.

Laura "Laurie" Jean Swenson was born on August 26, 1951, in Willmar, the daughter of Lavern and Corinne (Larson) Ferguson. She grew up in the Willmar area and graduated from Willmar High School. She attended Willmar Community College. On January 9, 1971, she was married to Lyndon Swenson and they made their home in the rural Raymond area. Laurie worked at Woodland Centers for thirty years as a Lead Systems Operator. Laurie was blessed with 3 children, Loren, Lane, and Londa. She was an amazing mom who did everything for her children!

Laurie was the family leader and often organized family gatherings/activities including weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, and trips. She always had a plan and was able to get the job done! For example, each year at the Ferguson family Christmas, Laurie planned, held rehearsals, and directed a play for all of the children to perform on Christmas Eve.

Laurie loved theater and regularly attended plays at the Barn Theater and Chanhassen Dinner Theater. One of her most cherished "theater" memories was when her granddaughter Faith was selected to be in the "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" play at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Laurie was an avid Vikings fan and was often found sporting her "purple pride". She was often in charge of the annual football pool and SuperBowl boards. She was a Nascar fan and has lots of Earnhardt décor in her house. Laurie was known for her personalized cards and banners that she would make on her computer. She played the piano beautifully and played at the Woodland Centers children's Christmas program for many years. She also played piano at the Ferguson family Christmas for all to sing while we waited for Santa to arrive. Laurie loved shopping and was always looking for a good deal or the perfect gift for someone. Laurie enjoyed going to parades and regularly attended the Willmar Fest Parade and the Spicer parade on the Fourth of July. She cut hair for many family members and even gave home perms. Laurie loved her beagles and a highlight for her was when Lizzie had ten puppies. She liked to listen to music by Queen and Elvis. More recently she was a Lady Gaga fan and even attended a Lady Gaga Concert.

Laurie liked to travel! Lake of the Woods, Branson, Disneyworld, Door County, and the North Shore were a few of her recent highlights. Laurie enjoyed spending weekends at the family cabin on Green Lake where she could spend a little time in the sun to get a nice tan and go for boat rides. She attended the Minnesota State Fair every year, took annual trips to ValleyFair when her children were younger, went on camping trips (MN State Fair and Campers Paradise), went on annual family stays at a hotel in the winter, and the list goes on and on.

Laurie dearly loved her granddaughters, Faith and Ella. She spent lots of time with them and took Faith and Ella on several trips. Some of their favorite memories with Grandma Laurie were spending summers at the cabin on Green Lake, going to plays, shopping, watching movies, doing projects, and having sleepovers. They brought great joy to her life and she was so proud of them!

Laurie is survived by her husband; two sons Loren (Katie) Swenson of Willmar and Lane Swenson of Raymond; one daughter Londa Swenson of Renville; two granddaughters Faith and Ella Swenson of Willmar; mother Corinne Ferguson of Willmar; father-in-law and mother-in-law Morris and Eleanor Swenson of Willmar; two sisters Peggy (Reggie) Schow of Blomkest and Wendy (Rod) Pfeifer of Ramsey; two brother-in-laws Bob Okland (Shirley Neighbors) of Litchfield and Sheldon (Marge) Swenson of Raymond; several nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends. Laurie was preceded in death by her father (Lavern Ferguson in 2007), one sister (Linda Okland in 2004), one niece (Karin Pfeifer in 1987), and her grandparents Carl and Charlotte Larson and George and Alice Ferguson.