Burton Swenson

Burton John Swenson was born on December 28, 1935, to Bernard J. and Jane O. (Hough) Swenson in Barnesville, MN. He grew up and attended school in Barnesville, graduating in 1952 and went on to college at Bemidji State University for a couple of years. He served his country in the US Army from 1958 – 1960. He returned home to Barnesville and began a lifetime carpentry career. Burton worked and was a skillful carpenter all his life. He started his carpentry years with his dad, eventually working with his brother Lefty and Carroll for many years with Swenson Builders. He also worked building houses with Harold Haugrud and eventually went to work on his own. He did a lot of finishing and trim work in houses.

He was united in marriage to Carol Swenson, and they were married for over 43 years. The couple shared countless winters in Colorado, creating lasting memories with her two sisters.

Burton enjoyed the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR) every year and loved to spend time talking with all of the exhibitors and visitors alike. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. In his younger years, Burton was active with Jerry Simison’s power boat racing. For many years, he enjoyed the morning coffee rush at the Eagle Café where he and his brothers were experts on everything. In his later years, he enjoyed the daily afternoon fellowship of his friends at the Barnesville Pool Hall.

Burton is survived by his step children: Sheryl (Spencer) Bernier, Karen (Justin) Batton, David Downing, Paul Downing, and Ryan Downing; grandchildren: Tony (Aaron) Christopherson, Jay Blilie, Kyle (Read) Bernier, Mitchell Bernier, Amber (Aaron) Colby, Karissa (Ryan) Snider, and Mason Downing; Great-grandchildren: Adlie Blilie, Henry Colby, and Lonnie Colby; Sisters-in-law: Joan Swenson, Patty Swenson, Tami (Lee) Wells-Schenkeir, along with his nieces and nephews.

Burton was preceded in death by his wife Carol on December 6, 2024, three brothers, Laverne Swenson, Gorden "Lefty" Swenson, and Carroll Swenson, and sister-in-law Bonnie Swenson, great granddaughter Holly Colby.

Burton died tragically from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in rural Barnesville, MN on Tuesday morning of August 26, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Memorial services with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Ali Haugerud officiating. Burial will be in the Fargo National Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the memorial service on Thursday.