Beatrice A. Swenson, 90, Shelly, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center in Hillsboro, ND.
Beatrice was born on October 21, 1935, to Thomas and Alvina (Stene) Bjuland in Lee Township, rural Perley, MN, graduating from Hendrum-Perley High School in 1953.
Beatrice shared a loving marriage with Jerome Swenson, whom she wed on October 15, 1960, at East Marsh River Lutheran Church in Rural Halstad, MN. Together, they raised three children and built a home filled with warmth, care, and devotion.
Beatrice was a devoted mother and wife who tended to every detail of the home and her children with love. She was an exceptional grandparent to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Both she and Jerome attended any event or activity they were in, also sharing numerous summer and holiday memories as well. Beatrice was active in the community, she was very involved with the museum in Shelly, as well as the Ada Historical Society, she belonged to the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid and spent many years quilting for family and friends. Beatrice gave her time and talent to the Inspirations, helping in any way she could as part of the sound team, bringing joy to those around her with music and fellowship. For a short time, Beatrice worked at American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, MN.
Beatrice had a generous heart and a knack for helping others stay encouraged. Her hobbies reflected a life of comfort and care: gardening, cooking meals, and canning tomatoes and pickles. Beatrice was known for her lefse, she kept the tradition of lefse making alive in her community, with many friends and family looking forward to this gift from her. She stayed busy and worked hard, always giving her best in everything she did. She cherished long phone conversations with friends Gwen, Marcella and Nancy, which kept her connected to the community she loved so dearly.
Beatrice will be remembered for her perseverance, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. May she rest in peace.
She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Jerome Swenson, Shelly, MN; three children, David Swenson (Leslie Viker), Shelly, MN, Craig Swenson (Sara), Wahpeton, ND, and Lori Williams, Grand Prairie, TX; her beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Serena, and Angel Williams, and Madison Swenson, as well as step-grandchildren, Parris, Michael, Samantha, Nick W., Nick P., Lexi (Justin), Jacob (Serena), Matt, and Addi; numerous great grandchildren; and brother, Donald (Arlene) Bjuland, Kansas City, MO.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Alvina; father and mother-in-law, John and Christine Swenson; son-in-law, Kirk Williams; sister-in-law, Muriel Oistad; brothers-in-law, Jerome Oistad and Pernell Swenson, and numerous cousins.
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM, Friday, April 10, 2026 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the funeral home.
Inurnment: Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Shelly, MN.
