Barbara J. Swenson, 61, Eden Prairie, MN, formerly of Finley, ND, died at her home on Monday, December 1, 2008.

Barb was born on November 7, 1947 in Spencer, Iowa, the daughter of Irma (DeKoster) and Robert Parks of West Lake Okoboji, Wahpeton, Iowa. She attended school in Spencer and graduated from Milford High School in May 1966. She married Gary Olson on February 19, 1971, living in Cooperstown, ND and moved to rural Finley where she was a farm wife, active in her community, being involved in church, Jayceettes, and attending all of the events of her two children, Bryan and Heidi.

She returned to school at Mayville State University and was employed at the Steele County Courthouse working in the Auditors office and as Tax Director. She was also employed at the Steele County Press utilizing her exemplary writing talent. She was currently employed by Chartwell Capital Solutions in Minneapolis, MN.

She married Kenneth “Butch” Swenson on May 17, 1996 at Sheyenne Valley Church, Finley, ND. Through her life she enjoyed raising horses, sewing, cross stitching, the outdoors, including camping, kayaking, campfires, and bird watching. After marrying Butch, her beloved, she spent her time exploring life with him, enjoying time with their friends, and loving her greatest joys, her grandchildren.

She leaves to mourn her son, Bryan (Tammy) Olson of Dent, MN; daughters, Heidi (Paul) Heinen of Casselton, ND, and Christi (Keith) Ross of Titusville, FL; nine grandchildren, Eli, Tate, Kali, Ayla, Andrew, Jackson, Mara, Jessica, and Nathan; sister, Penny (Emerson) Andrishok of West Branch, IA; and sister-in-law, Cathy Swenson of McVille, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband “Butch”, mother, father, and other relatives.

Barb's Funeral Service will be held at Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, rural Finley, ND, on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.