Obituary of Eldon Swensson

Eldon Bengston Swensson was born in McPherson, Kansas on September 18, 1926 to Lester Reginald Swensson and Rhoda Bengston Swensson. Eldon was baptized October 10 that year at the Swedish Lutheran Church (Trinity) in McPherson The family moved to Lindsborg in 1929 where they joined Messiah, and it was there he had his Confirmation. Eldon enrolled at Bethany College in 1944, but was drafted into the army after one semester. He served as Ch. Draftsman, G-3, 8th Army in the Philippines and Japan. On his return two years later he married Louise Bennett Richardson and moved to Manhattan, Kansas where he graduated with his degree in architecture at Kansas State University. They had four children, three of whom survive, Elouise Barrus, Lois Adkinson and Eric Swensson. Their youngest, Lora Lee Swensson, preceded in death, November, 2010. Louise Swensson died in 1974. Eldon married Dorothee Schirmer in 1977, who preceded him in death July, 2009. Eldon and Dee had a home in Wichita for a number of years and were active at Reformation Lutheran Church. After closing his own firm he went to work for a large architectural firm that sent Eldon and Dee to Johnstown, Pennsylvania; El Paso, Texas; West Palm Beach, Florida and West Chester, Pennsylvania until Eldon and Dee retired to Lindsborg. Everywhere Eldon lived he was an active member of the Lutheran Church, often serving on Church Council and always singing tenor in the choir. He found his Swedish heritage important, but loved the church above all else besides his family and his God. Eldon was also very proud of his serving in the army and loved his country. Besides the three children, Eldon is survived by two step-children, Andrew Schirmer and Monica Schirmer Eschelman, seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. His brother Donald and sisters Carol and RoCeleste have already passed. Besides receiving recognition as an architect, Eldon pursued painting and became an accomplished watercolorist. His works were entered in exhibits and competitions and he won many awards. A Memorial Service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, Kansas at 4 PM on Saturday afternoon, April 21. Private family burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be designated for Messiah Lutheran Church or Bethany College in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington PO Box 386 Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com