Verdon “Bud” Swenson, 92, of Postville, Iowa died Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon, Iowa. Verdon Marwin was born May 6, 1925 to Hall L. Jr. and Florence A (Lindroth) Swenson in Frankville Township, Iowa. He attended Cherry Valley School and graduated from Luana Consolidated School and attended Seminary Courses at Wesleyan University, Garrett Evangelical Seminary and St. Paul School and received a degree in Theology.
Verdon was united in marriage with Mary E. Clark on July 24, 1947 at Forest Mills Church, rural Postville. They rented a farm in Hickory Creek for one year and then moved to Post Township to farm for thirty years. Four children were born to this union. He then turned to carpentry and cabinet making. In addition Bud also was a Sunday school teacher and served for nine years as pastor of Forest Mills and Castalia United Methodist churches. He was active in Gideons and Lay Witness Mission, including introducing the lay witness program in England. Bud also participated in missionary ministries in the Philippines. Together with Mary, he enjoyed traveling the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Egypt and the Holy Land. Bud was a man of integrity, compassion and had a strong work ethic. Most of all, Bud enjoyed a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as his Savior.
Verdon is survived by his children, Faith (Richard) Miene of Toddville, Iowa, Hope (Dan) Bartlein of Postville, Iowa, Mary Lynn (Walt) Sadowski of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Hall (LuAnn) Swenson of Postville, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren, Rick (Kelly) Miene, Roxanne (Dan) Johnston, Israel and Isaiah Bartlein, Joy Minikwu, Michael Sadowski, Heather (Cory) Koenig, Crystal (Ed) Klenk, Erika (Bruce) Olson, Jesse (Melissa) Swenson and Daniel (Alyssa) Sadowski; step-grandchildren, Becky Ruroden, Justin and Sam Bartlein; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; siblings, JoAnn (Les) Livingood, Lane (Sharon) Swenson and sister-in-law, Erma Swenson. Each of Bud’s fourteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren were very special to him, and he continually prayed for them.
Verdon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary in 1998; his parents, Hall and Florence Swenson; and siblings, LaVon (Gordon) Kaeser and Marlin Swenson.
Visitation will be Friday, July 28, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Forest Mills United Methodist Church, Rural Postville, Iowa with Rev. Kim Gates as the Officiant.
Burial will be at Minert Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.