HOLLANDALE/BLANCHARDVILLE - Harland "Swede" Sanford Swenson, age 85 of Hollandale died on Sunday evening, September 26, 2010 at his home after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and after complications from cancer. He was born on July 19, 1925 in Blanchardville to Sanford and Hazel (Larson) Swenson. He grew up in the Blanchardville area and graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1943. He was employed by Roland (Toad) Syse until entering the army in 1950, and again upon his return from Korea after his honorable discharge from serving his country in the Korean War. He was married to Marian Hirsbrunner on October 22, 1952 at the Immanuel Church in Darlington. In 1957 they moved to Darlington where he was employed by Christenson Produce. Later he began farming, returning to Blanchardville in 1960 where they farmed until retiring. Harland then was proud to drive a school bus for the Pecatonica Area Schools for 19 years. He served on the Moscow Town Board for many years as a supervisor and later as chairman. He was a member of the York Memorial Lutheran Church where he served as a council member. He was also a member of the Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post in Blanchardville. Harland loved everything green & gold, John Deere Tractors, the Green Bay Packers, and the Pecatonica Vikings. He restored several John Deere Tractors over the years. He enjoyed traveling with Midge to Switzerland, Idaho, and other places. He was also an avid card player, especially beating his children in Euchre. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren.

Harland is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marian "Midge" Swenson of rural Hollandale, five children, David (Jeannette) Swenson of Blanchardville, Diana (David) Padley of Lodi, James (Ann) Swenson of Blanchardville, John (Maria) Swenson of Sun Prairie, and Jason (Lisa) Swenson of Blanchardville; a half-brother, Wesley (Sue) Watrud of Blanchardville; eleven grandchildren, Kelly (Joel) Hermanson, Daniel Padley, Kimberly Padley, Allison Swenson, Hannah Swenson, Sarah Swenson, Cassie Swenson, Cory Swenson, Michael Becker, Rochelle Becker and Carissa Swenson; and one great-grandchild, Jack Hermanson. He was preceded in death by his father, Sanford Swenson; his mother, Hazel (Larson) Watrud; a half-brother, Merton Watrud, and a sister-in-law, Louise Watrud.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the York Memorial Lutheran Church in rural Blanchardville, (N9407 Hwy 78) at the intersection of highways 78 and 39. Rev. Mark Gruner of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the York Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday evening, September 29, 2010 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the York Memorial Lutheran Church. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com . The family wishes to thank the Upland Hills Hospice, the VA Hospital, and a very special thank you to Amy Maples of Southwest Homecare for her exceptional love and compassion during this long and difficult time.

The Saether Funeral Home, Blanchardville, Wis.