Vernon Larry Swenson, age 76 of rural Lamberton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Highwater Lutheran Church near Lamberton. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at the church and will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Highwater Lutheran Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Vernon Larry Swenson was born on February 5, 1949 to Lloyd and Audrey Swenson in Windom, MN. He grew up in the rural Lamberton/Jeffers area, attending school in Jeffers until ninth grade when his help was needed on the family farm. Vernon attended the Highwater Lutheran Church of rural Lamberton, where he was a lifelong member.

In 1969, Vernon was drafted into the US Army and served in the Vietnam War for 18 months. He was a Specialist 4th Class (E-4) in the 101st Airborne Division. He received an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service as a communications specialist with the 3rd Battalion of the 506th Infantry Division, a recognition that is remarkable considering the life expectancy of a communications specialist in Vietnam was 5-30 seconds and the 18 months that Vernon served in Vietnam was equivalent to 3 military tours at that time.

Vernon returned home to the family farm and on July 2, 1971 married Susan Marie Michel. Although this marriage was later dissolved, the union was blessed with 5 children, June, Stacey, Rebecca, Justin and Sara.

Vernon spent a large part of his life farming with his dad, brother, and uncles, later moving onto truck driving which took him to many places throughout the United States. An avid fisherman and hunter his entire life, Vernon passed his treasured pastime down to the younger generations. Vernon will be remembered as a man of few words, but a heart of gold, kind spirit, and quick wit.

Left to cherish Vernon’s memory are his children: June Glander (Troy Loewen) of Windom, Stacey (Jason) Noyes of Sibley, IA, Rebecca Swenson (Rob Santiago) of Delft, Justin (Amy) Swenson of Westbrook, and Sara (Josh) Lugo of Jeffers; grandchildren: Aaron, Chelsy, Britney (Nathan), Brandon, Dylan (Megan), Shalley, Gage (Faye), Jacoby, Sydney, Carson, Tegan, Audrey, Khloe, Lukas, and Colt; great-grandchildren: Rylee, Callee, Melani, Jaxon, Cooper, Paige, Addalyn, Hunter, Everly and one on the way; siblings: Vicki (Lee) Busswitz of Westbrook and Randy Swenson of Lamberton; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Audrey, and son-in-law John Menssen.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” ~ Psalm 34:18