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Gregory J. Swenson of St. Croix Falls died peacefully in his home on Monday, May 11, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.  He was 55 years old.  

The youngest of three children, Greg was born November 1, 1959 in Chisago City, MN to Emory and Norma Swenson.  He grew up on 20 acres near Almelund, Minnesota.  Greg was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran church, in Almelund.  He attended Taylors Falls School.  Throughout his life Greg worked as a truck driver.  He did everything from hauling canned milk, construction hauls, and long haul driving 18 wheelers, to excavating.  Most recently, Greg had earned a living hauling bulk milk. On October 22, 1994 Greg married the love of his life, Tami Johnson, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, surrounded by family and friends.  On July 2nd, 1997 Tami and Greg were blessed by the birth of their daughter, Taola Oreat, making their family complete.

Greg always loved to be outdoors, in both winter and summer.  He passed many hours hunting, fishing and boating, and had a special talent for smoking and curing meats of all kinds.  From the time he was a small boy, he had a passion for participating in the annual Almelund Threshing Party.  For more than 20 years, Greg took pride in maintaining and operating a threshing machine, with the help of his cousin, Bruce Dahlberg and daughter, Taola.  The machine has been in their family for over 100 years.  Greg had a lifelong love of dogs, Big Guy, Towser, Tiamo and most recently Zory, were special to him and one was always by his side. Greg was a gentle soul, full of kindness, strength, compassion, generosity, laughter, and love.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeff.  He is survived by his wife Tami, daughter Taola, sister Marcia (Stan) Kulbitski, sisters-in-law Tanja (Brad) Geisler, Traci Wendorf, brother-in-law Tryn Johnson, nieces Sara (Tom) Willie and their children Brayden and Eva; Tanae (Joe) Klewicki and their daughters Tallee, Tahnee and Taya; Todi and Tori Wendorf, nephews Josh Swenson, Chad White, Charlie Lindee, Talen Geisler, and many, many friends.

Memorial services Monday May 18 at Bethesda Lutheran Church.  Arrangements by  Grandstrand Funeral Home – Edling Chapel

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