Ray "Vic" Victor Swenson

Ray “Vic” Victor Swenson, age 88 of Mankato, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Mankato, MN. Livestream of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com. 

Memorials are preferred to be given to the Vic & Sharon Swenson Scholarship Fund at Minnesota State University – Mankato, Trout Lake Camp, or Allina Health Foundation - Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Services.

Vic was born on February 15, 1936, to Aldor and Helen Swenson in Kulm, North Dakota. As shared during many family gatherings, it was “the coldest day ever recorded in North Dakota” at -60 degrees. His dad, a Swedish emigrant, hitched his horses driving 2 miles to their nearest neighbor using their phone to call the doctor. The doctor declined to go to their house due to the cold. So, the wife of a schoolteacher helped in the delivery. 

The family moved from their North Dakota farm in 1938 due to the Dust Bowl and severe drought. They settled in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota living in a small house without electricity or plumbing.

Vic set his sights on being involved in Education and he became a public-school teacher at Badger High School in northern Minnesota. He then moved to the Mankato area to serve as principal at St. Clair High School. Around the same time, he met the love of his life, Sharon Bergstrom. Vic married Sharon on July 27, 1963, and were married for 56 years until Sharon’s passing on October 4, 2019.

Vic continued in education administration as Asst. Director and High School Principal at Wilson Laboratory School, Mankato State University between 1960-1966. Soon after, he then served as Assistant Registrar and eventually Registrar for 27 years at Mankato State University until he retired in 1994.

During his tenure as Registrar at MSU, he was instrumental in leading the school through automating registration in 1984. It was the first comprehensive online and phone system of its type supporting students and staff within the state of Minnesota at the time. Vic had a tremendous impact on the faculty, staff, and students while at MSU. The student association established the “Vic Swenson Student Friendly Hall of Fame” - still active today - that recognizes faculty, staff and administrators who demonstrate friendliness creating a strong sense of community at the University. Additionally, the Vic & Sharon Swenson Scholarship Fund at MSU is also a living memory of their love of education.

His life was filled with service to his family and community and was dearly loved. In addition to being an educator, principal and registrar, he served on the school board for 7 yrs., was active in church leadership and fellowship at Bethel Baptist of Mankato, was a dedicated Trout Lake Camp advocate and board member for more than 25 years, acquired his realtor license, served on multiple mission trips to Ukraine, and participated and won ping-pong and basketball events at the Senior Games for several years.

He cherished his sons and their families, cheering on his grandchildren as much as possible. He encouraged everyone he met to become their best selves and shared the Gospel leading many to Christ. He was a friend and mentor to countless people and offered help to many in need.

Vic is survived by his three sons, David (Jane), Steve (Sonja), Mark; five grandchildren, Shelbi, Sam, Brianna, Nolan, and Katelynn; brother, LeRoy “Lee” (Helen), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Vic was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sharon; his parents, Aldor and Helen; brothers, Art and Harold and sister, Violet.

 The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary.
Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product.
Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.