Russell Swensen

Click Here To View Memorial Video Click Here To Listen to The Funeral Services Live Russell Neil Swensen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, community servant and dear friend, passed away suddenly at his home in Ammon April 30, 2014. Russell was 86 years young and loved life, loved his wife, family, church, country and many friends. He was born November 13, 1927, to Neil and Wanda Swensen in St. Anthony, Idaho. Russell graduated from South Fremont High School, where he was active in Future Farmers of America, drama, debate, track and student government. Following graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed in Puerto Rico during World War II. While home on leave he married the love of his life LaRue Schwendiman on October 9, 1947. They were later sealed together for time and all eternity May 30, 1953, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. After his discharge he engaged in farming and attended Ricks College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocational education from Utah State. The next eleven years were spent teaching vocational agriculture at Bonneville High School. The remainder of his career, until he retired in May, 1995, was spent as an agricultural extension agent, field superintendent for the Upper Snake River Valley Dairymen’s Association, and agricultural representative for Idaho First National Bank and West One Bank. He always had a great love for agriculture. In 1994, the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce recognized his lifelong service to the Agricultural Industry by presenting him with the Silver Plow Award. Russell served as a councilman to the City of Ammon from 1969 to 1983 and the following five years as Mayor of Ammon. He was dedicated to the community and pursued many opportunities to help improve the city. By Mayoral proclamation the City of Ammon has designated May 6, 2014, as “Russell Swensen Day.” Russell loved the USA and he would extol the virtues of the “Red, White and Blue” whenever he had the chance. He was always proud to have served his country and was a current member of The American Legion and the Freedom First Society. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership positions and teaching capacities throughout his life. Russell loved life and would find a friend wherever he went. His creed and the way he lived his life was: to love all, keep thinking positive, and above all, keep smiling. He is survived by his wife, LaRue, his children, Craig (Debbie) Swensen of Puyallup, WA; Linden (Jenny) of Blair, NE; Kirk of Ammon and GayLinn (Joe) Bradshaw of Murray, UT; a brother, Boyd, and three sisters, Darlene, Irene and Carol, ten grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the Ammon LDS First Ward, 3000 Central Avenue. The family will visit with friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Monday at Wood East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held

12:00 p.m. ,Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Ammon LDS 1st Ward 3000 Central Avenue Ammon, ID, Bonneville 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday at Wood East Side (963 S. Ammon Road) and from 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial in Ammon Cemetery.