Gary O. Swenson

Gary O. Swenson, 83, of Owen, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.

Gary was born January 22, 1943 in Rockford, IL to Gordon and Erna (Schmidt) Swenson.  He graduated from Rockford East High School in 1960.

In 1972, he married Kathleen “Kathy” Taylor.  They resided in Colorado and both worked for the Dept. of Energy Rocky Flats site in Golden, CO.  They moved to Owen in 1998 where they had resided since.  He and Kathy had many dear friends in Owen and spent many happy times golfing in tournaments at Meadowview Golf Course. 

Gary and Kathy spent the winter months at Calizona RV Park in Needles, California where they made many treasured lifelong friends and met numerous fellow snowbirds. 

Gary participated in a variety of sports, such as bowling and horseshoes, but he was particularly passionate about golf. He took every opportunity to play golf and enjoyed the sport throughout the year. He also enjoyed casino trips and watching football.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Jim Swenson of Janesville, WI, Teri Swenson of Rockford, IL; stepdaughter, Michele (Efrain) Garcia of Denver, CO; one special nephew, Dustin Swenson of Augusta, WI; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Erna; brothers, Gerald, in infancy, and Dennis Swenson; former daughter-in-law, Kim Swenson; grandson, Johnny Lee Ditmer; his wife, Kathy in 2022.

On May 2, 2026, a small service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Midway Church, located within Midway Village Museum, followed by a Celebration of Life from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Lakeview Room at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107. Directional signage will be available to guide guests to each location.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend either or both gatherings. Food and refreshments will be served as we come together to honor and celebrate Gary’s life.

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