Richard Swenson

Richard Alan Swenson, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, in Moorhead, MN.

Richard was born on September 4, 1945, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Superior, Wisconsin, to Irving E. Swenson and Sadie Ann (Bashara) Swenson. Richard was raised in Superior, but spent his senior year of high school with relatives and graduated from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska. Following high school graduation, Richard attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN, where he studied baking. Richard’s father, who managed a bakery in Superior, encouraged Richard to follow in his footsteps. A baker’s schedule was not for Richard. After completing his baking certificate, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Adair Air Force Station in Oregon.

On November 24, 1966, Richard married the love of his life, Linda Lou Kroshus, at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada, MN. Together, they welcomed three children: Amy, Jay, and Jeffrey.

Richard was a true salesman; he didn’t just sell products, he sold security, growth, and new wheels. Whether he was talking life insurance, fertilizer, or cars on a sunny morning, Richard had the gift of gab and the grit to match. Richard never met a stranger, only a friend he hadn’t closed a deal with yet. Ever the master negotiator, Richard successfully brokered a deal with the seasons: he and Linda spent their winters in the Arizona sun and their summers enjoying the Minnesota breeze on Big Pine Lake- proving that with the right sales pitch, you really can have it all.

If you knew Richard, you knew he was a man of a thousand stories and a one-liner for every occasion. His conversations would gravitate from the love and pride he had for his family, his early memories at the farm and the summer resort in Wisconsin, his time on the William G. Mather and sailing the Great Lakes, his passion for his work, or an upcoming family event he was looking forward to. Richard leaves us with a legacy defined by his fierce pride in his family, a steadfast belief that the glass is always full, and that life is never too serious for a good laugh.

Richard is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Amy (Frank) Zanotti; son, Jay (Amanda) Swenson; and son, Jeffrey Swenson. The couple has five grandchildren (Lauren Zanotti, Lydia Swenson, Maria Zanotti, Kellen Swenson, and Devon Swenson). Richard is survived by two of his brothers: William Swenson and John Swenson, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and sisters and brothers-in-law.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert Edwin Swenson and James Irving Swenson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund. 

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

The Swenson family would like to thank you for being a part of celebrating Richard’s life. Following the service, Richard’s family invites you to join them for a meal.