Lavonne Marie Swenson

Our mother, Lavonne Swenson, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 93. Though dementia dimmed her memories for a time, she left this world remembering every face, every story, and the deep love she shared with her family. Lavonne was born on April 3, 1933, in Pipestone, MN, to John and Hilda Bauer. She spent her childhood growing up in the Pipestone area. Her parents and brother, David, moved to Center City, MN, while she was a senior at Pipestone High School, and Lavonne resided with her cousin Marianne until she graduated. It was while staying with Marianne that she met her future husband, Robert Swenson in 1950. Marriage followed in Lindstrom, MN, on September 2, 1951. Bob was drafted into the Army, and the young couple moved to Arlington, VA, where they lived for two years. They returned to Minnesota and established their home in Forest Lake with their infant son Gary. In 1957, Bob and Lavonne moved into a newly-built home in Wyoming, MN, where they lived for forty years and raised their five children, Gary, Randy, Gail, Robin, and Greg. Lavonne was an important part of the Wyoming community. She helped out at church, organized and led Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. In 1966, she began a 32-year career at the First State Bank of Wyoming, retiring in 1998. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, ceramics, crafting silk flower arrangements, building puzzles, word games, and watching the MN Twins on TV. With her husband Bob, they crafted many items which they sold at craft fairs. Bob and Lavonne moved to Rosemount, MN, in 1998 and joined the Rosemount UMC (The Well). At church, she assisted with the yearly garage sale and sewed quilts as a member of the Piecemakers. Bob passed away in 2011, and in 2016 Lavonne moved into The Rosemount Senior Living at Steeple Center where she lived out her final years. Lavonne is survived by her brother David, and her five children, nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren: Gary (Gayle), Randy (former spouse Peggy) and children Jill Larson (Pete w/Charlie, Freddie, and Ozzie) and Laura Alimohd (Anil w/Eden and Abram), Gail Volbert (Gary) and children Chad (Ari w/Grace and Leila) and Rachel Fails (Mike w/Cameron), Robin Ainsworth and children Nicki Miles (Chris w/Holly), Sam and Zach, and Greg (Shanna) and children Mason (Lauren) and Isaac. She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents John and Hilda Bauer, son-in-law Keith Ainsworth, stepsister Verna Volkman and stepbrother Oral Bauer. A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Well (14770 Canada Ave W, Rosemount, MN 55068) on September 19, 2026, with visitation at 1 PM, followed by a service at 2 PM and a reception. Interment of the cremated ashes of Bob and Lavonne will occur at a later date. Donations would be appreciated to an organization of your choice, the Alzheimers Association, or Pipestone County Historical Society designating the Salem Church cemetery.

Lavonne Marie Swenson

April 3, 1933 - August 24, 2026

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