Funeral services for Richard L. Swenson, age 72, of Albert Lea, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Ascension Lutheran Church. The Rev. David Beckstrom will officiate. Interment will be in the Graceland Cemetery with military honors accorded by Freeborn County veterans organizations. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Richard died Thursday, May 25, 2006, at his home.

Richard Lloyd Swenson was born Nov. 30, 1933, to Melford H. and Arlene M. (Allis) Swenson in Wells. He attended the Wells Evangelical Lutheran Church and graduated from Wells High School. Richard served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1961. On Nov. 1, 1958, he was united in marriage to Judith Bakke in Austin. The couple moved to Albert Lea in 1962. Richard was employed by the State of Minnesota as a dairy inspector. He had been a member of the Eagles for 40 years and was also a member of the Moose Lodge. Richard enjoyed camping, bluegrass music, traveling in his RV, playing guitar, singing, and playing pool with his friends.

Survivors include his children: Craig Swenson of Brooklyn Park, Brenda and husband, Mark Shatek of Albert Lea, and Terri Swenson and her special friend, Pat Oquist, also of Albert Lea; his special friend, Marlys Tritle of Albert Lea; nine grandchildren; sister, Marjean and husband, Albert Jacobs of Alden; brother, James and wife, Diane Swenson of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Delone and husband, Arlin Sawyer of Austin; brother-in-law, Merlin Bakke of Arcadia, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Melford and Arlene Swenson; wife, Judith; and sister, Nordean Weber.