John “Jack” D. Swedien, 91, of Red Wing, Minn. and formerly of Ellsworth, Wis., died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at his home, with his family by his side. He was born Feb. 4, 1931, in Minneapolis to Lanning and Kay (DePue) Swedien. He attended Minnehaha Academy, graduating in 1948. He worked for Cargill a short time and then enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1951-1954, spending 2.5 years stationed in Japan. After he was honorably discharged, he was united in marriage to Bettie Johnson on March 10, 1956, and they lived in Minneapolis. He began a 32-year career with Prudential Insurance, working in various capacities until his retirement.
In 1969, he and his family relocated to Ellsworth, to live in the home he had planned and built. Following his retirement, he and Bettie spent several years wintering in Texas, and eventually they came to relocate themselves in Red Wing. Jack was a member of Svea Lutheran Church where he had served as a past treasurer and was also a member of the Leo C. Peterson American Legion #54. Throughout his years, Jack enjoyed bowling and had been a part of several leagues. He also loved to build things and was never afraid to speak his opinion. In light of his funeral, his opinion was to not have a public service, so his family will be laying him to rest at his church cemetery followed by a private family service.
Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bettie Swedien of Red Wing; two children, Denise (Larry) Deittner of Mikana, Wis. and Scott (Margaret) Swedien of Ellsworth; four grandchildren, Kristen (Andy) Olson of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Heather (Taylor) Ritchie of Burnsville, Minn., Jon (Kelly) Swedien of Highland, Ill. and Dan (Jenna) Swedien of Baltimore, Md.; seven great-grandchildren, Caleb Olson, Finley, Frances and Mavis Ritchie, Karlee, Jonas and Janie Swedien; sister-inlaw, Helen Swedien of Minneapolis and three nieces, Betsy, Susan and Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Tom and Robert Swedien and aunts and uncles.
Memorials are preferred to Svea Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospitals. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome. com
