February 7, 1935 – January 18, 2026
Leland Swenson, 90, of Northwood, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30am Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.
Visitation will be held from 9:00am until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or the Lutheran Retirement Home.
Leland B. Swenson was born February 7, 1935, in Newton, Iowa, the son of Lloyd L. and Claretta Marie (Starry) Swenson. He was baptized on March 21, 1948, at First Methodist Church in Mason City and later confirmed on June 29, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. He attended Mason City Schools and graduated from Mason City High School in 1953. Leland continued his education at Mason City Junior College, now NIACC, before entering honorable service in the United States Army in 1955. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1958. Following his military service, he completed his education at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1960.
On February 22, 1958, Leland married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Bakketun at First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Together they were blessed with four children.
Leland began his working career at Gulf Farm Center in Northwood, where he was recognized as Boss of the Year. He later joined NSB Bank, where he built a career spanning more than 30 years. During that time, he served as a loan officer and later as vice president, continuing until his retirement.
He was deeply involved in the Northwood community, serving on the Northwood City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and the JC’s, where he was honored as JC of the Year. Leland was also a member of the Northwood Lions Club and remained active at the Northwood Country Club. He and Shirley were longtime members of First Lutheran Church in Northwood. In his free time, Leland enjoyed golfing and fishing, playing cribbage and cards with family, and traveling with Shirley, including many trips to Arizona. He especially loved grilling and was well known for his BBQ chicken. He and Shirley were devoted Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes fans.
Leland was a true gentleman, reserved, and thoughtful. He loved his family deeply, and his grandchildren held an especially cherished place in his heart.
Leland is survived by his children, Scott (Teresa) Swenson of Iowa City, Laurie (Roger) Harris of Northwood, and David (Michelle) Swenson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kristine (Zach) McBeth of Georgetown, Texas, Kelli (Brian) Wallin of Northwood, Jacob (Jessica) Swenson of Cedar Rapids, Allison (Jared Mayer) Swenson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Conner (fiancé, Faith Attig) Harris of Northwood, and Laura Swenson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Finley, Gannon, and Bennett McBeth; Kinslee and Bailee Wallin; Josie Swenson; and Maggie Mayer; nieces and nephew, Shellie Strolberg, Cara Henry, and Eric Swenson, as well as extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Shirley; his son, Steven Lee Swenson, who died in infancy; his brothers, Richard Swenson and Daniel (Evelyn) Swenson; and his nephew, Kevin Henry.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice, The Lutheran Retirement Home, and Conner Colonial Chapel for the wonderful care they provided for Lee. We will always be grateful to them.
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