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Swenson, 76, Sanborn, ND died at Essentia Health in Fargo on July 13, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM, Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Sanborn. Following the service, friends are invited to Merle’s farm for fellowship.
Merle Roy Swenson was born in Valley City, ND on September 15, 1940 to Roy “Swede” and Hjordis (Nelson) Swenson. He grew up on a farm outside of Sanborn, ND and graduated from Sanborn Public High School. Following high school, he attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, studying auto mechanics. After graduating, he used his education in Wheatland, WY where he worked at a service station, repairing vehicles. He also worked on stock cars and high powered go carts that he raced.
He returned to Sanborn to help run the farm after his father’s illness, later farming on his own until the mid 1980’s. He married Jean Diemert and they had a daughter, Kelly.
Merle started trucking for Border States Paving and Azure Construction until he became owner/operator of L&S Trucking, which later branched into producing gravel and fill. He met and married Victoria Lovell, they had a son, Roy.
He served 20-plus years with the Sanborn Volunteer Fire Department and as one of the coordinators setting up the first demolition derby, which became a large part of the 4th of July celebration in Sanborn that just marked its 52nd year. Merle served as a Potter Township officer over 55 years and represented the township on Sanborn Rural Fire Protection District for many years. He loved hunting and fishing, with a special passion for salmon fishing.
Merle is survived by his wife, Victoria (Lovell) Swenson; mother, Hjordis Swenson of Vero Beach, FL; son, Roy of Bismarck, ND; and daughter, Kelly of Bismarck. He is also survived by two sisters, Janelle (Dan) Hawkley of Sacramento, CA and Janet (Richard) Eggert of Vero Beach, FL; a brother, Terry (Pam) Swenson of Sanborn; 4 nieces and 2 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy.
Leurd-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City, ND is assisting with arrangements.
An online guestbook will be available at www.lerudschuldt.com.