May 19, 2012
Swensen, Rev Walter
Reverend Walter Ferdinand Swensen, a resident of Westwood, died Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Deutsches Altenheim in West Roxbury. He was 92. Walter was born June 8, 1919 in Wyndere, North Dakota, the only son of Norweigan immigrants Bjarne Norman Ingeberd and Caspara (Kirkhus) Swensen. He was a graduate of the National Bible Institute in New York City and Gordon College in Wenham. Walter earned his graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. Reverend Swensen served at the First Baptist Churches of Hingham, Merrimac, Revere, Taunton, Caribou, Maine, and Pocassset for 57 years. He also served as an Army Chaplain. Walter was the husband of the late Nathalie Louise (Tobey), the father of the late Daniel Swensen, PHD, and the brother of the late Borghild Maharry. He is survived by three sons, David K. Swensen of Ringe, NH, Stephen Swensen, PHD of Sarasota Springs, NY, and Jonathan C. Swensen of Perham, Maine; three daughters, Margaret P. Swensen of Middleboro, Mary Larson, PHD of Canton, Connecticut, and Ruth M. Nasman of Westwood; his sister, Ruth Mutchler, of Florida; as well as 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Falmouth. In lieu of flowers donations to the Deutsches Altenheim, 2222 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 would be appreciated
Comments(7)
I was privileged to have grown up under Pastor Swensen’s teaching and direction. So thankful for his patience and insight. Praying for his family. I loved how he and Nat got along. His reward in Heaven will be great.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor Swensen. He was a true Christian man, and one of the men I respected and loved the most. He taught me how to live, and love, Jesus, and he was one of the most humble men I have ever met. When he heard about a difficult time in my life, he lovingly hand-wrote me the most compassionate, kind letter I have ever received. In that one compassionate action, he motivated me to live on for Jesus, in truth and in love. I will be forever grateful, and look forward with anticipation to the day I see him again.
Our deepest sympathy and love to all the family, your dad and mom were our exended family. We learned so much from God’s word under his teaching ministry and loved he and your mom and all the family we met. Jon was a very special part of our family and continues to be as we still worship together. I know your dad was ready to go not only for his love and relationship with God, but because of his unexpected phone call about two and half years ago in which he told us he was ready to go home. May God’s perfect peace surround you all at this time of grieving, our love and prayers Bay and Nancy
It was a great blessing to sit under the ministry of Pastor Swensen in Caribou, Maine for a short while over 30 years ago. What a great man of God he was! He had a wonderful way of opening the scriptures so they were relevant to each one in attendance. We also had the chance to visit he and Mrs. Swensen when they lived in New Hampshire shortly after he retired.
Our deepest condolences to the family as your father will be missed here on earth, but welcomed Home in heaven by a host of believers to whom he had ministered over the years.
George (Pete) and Barbara (Cushman) Kelly
Pastor Swenson was loved by our family while he served in Caribou, ME. He was instrumental in Dave and my salvation experience and will be remembered by his wonderful ability to teach the word of God clearly with a bit of humor. We will see him one day!
Pastor Swenson was a warm and loving man, and a wonderful pastor. He was dearly loved and will be remembered with much admiration. We will see him soon on the other side. Thank you, his family, for sharing him with us.
I only became acquainted with Rev. Swenson during a few years during his retirement, but it is easy to understand how calling him to mind can evoke the warm sentiments that have been expressed in the guestbook entries. He was welcome neighbor, still alert and interested in conveying the work that had informed his life.