Obituary/Jean Mae Swenson, 91

Jean Mae Swenson, 91 of Richfield, MN, passed away May 19, 2025 (on her birthday) at Village Shores senior campus in Richfield. Jean and twin sister JoAnn, were born on May 19, 1934 in Hallock, MN, the daughters of August and Cora (Shurson) Swenson. They grew up on a small farm about 9 miles east of Kennedy, MN with older siblings Russell, Ruby, and Helen. Jean attended Grant School for grades 1-7 and graduated from Karlstad High School in 1952. She attended Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, N.D and then worked in a secretarial position at E.J. Lander & Co. Investments in Grand Forks for 8 years. 

Aspiring for greater adventure in 1960, with one suitcase containing all her possessions, she headed to Minneapolis on a train to look for a new job. Twin sister JoAnn soon followed to Minneapolis where they shared several apartments, and eventually owned a condo together in Richfield. Neither was ever married. Jean never drove a car, so used the public bus system to get to work and navigate the metro area, although JoAnn did own and drive a car. Jean worked in downtown Minneapolis at J.M. Dain for 14 years, Merrill Lynch for 9 years (on 40th floor of IDS Center), and Hennepin County for 14 years. She retired in 1999 at age 65, and then volunteered at Augsburg Park Library, Richfield Senior Dining, and Bloomington Civic Theatre. After 40 years in her condo, she moved to Village Shores senior campus in 2018.  

Jean was baptized and confirmed at East Emmaus Lutheran Church. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Minneapolis since 1964 and sang in the senior choir for many years. She enjoyed taking trips to many places, including Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, and many countries in Europe. Jean and JoAnn were big hometown fans of the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings as well. They will always be remembered by their family for the excitement and smiles they brought to family gatherings back up north.  

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brother Russell, sisters JoAnn and Ruby, sister-in-law Ruth Swenson, and brothers-in-law Adolph Beich and Jim Rickenberg. She is survived by sister Helen Rickenberg, Kennedy, MN. Also by niece Tammy (Todd) Swenson-Lepper, Winona, MN and nephews R. Jon (Jenica) Swenson, Lake Bronson, MN, Jeff (Amanda) Rickenberg, Kennedy, MN, Wayne (Janet) Beich, Andover, MN, Ken (Marcy) Beich, Rochester, MN, Brian (Nancy) Beich, Dellwood, MN, and all their children and grandchildren.  

Funeral service was held June 6, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Minneapolis. Interment will be later at East Emmaus Lutheran Church graveyard, two miles from the farm where Jean grew up.