Murray Swenson passed away at home on July 23 with his family present. Born in Deer Lodge in 1932, he was the son of C. L. and Beatrice (Murray) Swenson.
Murray grew up in Deer Lodge and graduated from Powell County High School in 1950. He attended the University of Montana in Missoula where he joined Sigma Chi fraternity. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the army and served sixteen months in Korea. When Murray returned to Deer Lodge he worked at the smelter in Anaconda. At this time he met the love of his life, Thea Westre. They were married in 1956. He decided to go to Montana State University in Bozeman to finish his degree in Engineering in 1958. Upon graduation he was hired by Boeing. Their first daughter, Teri, was born in Seattle.
Murray and Thea returned to Montana and he worked for U. S. Gypsum in Lewistown. The family moved to Helena in 1961 where their second daughter, Karen, was born. Murray designed and built the home they lived in for the next 54 years. Murray was hired as an engineer at the Montana State Highway Department and he worked there until he retired in 1995.
After retirement Murray and Thea traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico by motor home. They also made several trips to Norway to visit relatives. His hobbies included reading, skiing, camping and duck hunting. He particularly liked WWII history and a vacation highlight was a trip to Omaha Beach in France. Murray and Thea celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in June.
Murray was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Larry. He is survived by his wife, Thea and two daughters, Teri Yeager (Theron), Karen Meick (Joe), two granddaughters Emily Meick and Roslyn Yeager, his brother Larry’s children Greg Swenson and Michelle Swenson Aguirre, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 30, 2018 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave., with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison following the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Redeemer’s, an animal rescue organization or a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Murray.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 30, 2018
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Funeral
Monday July 30, 2018
Fellowship Hall of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the reception
Monday July 30, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison
Montana, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 30, 2018
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Funeral
Monday July 30, 2018
Fellowship Hall of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the reception
Monday July 30, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison
Montana, Montana 59636
Share
Teri says
I love you dad…to the moon and back!
Debbie Knighton says
I’m positive heaven is now a better place because the kindest and most gentle soul I ever met has joined the angels. He was loved and will be missed by many. Mike and I were some of proud and lucky ones who got to call him Uncle.
Doug Morgan says
Murray you were always a great help tp a young engineer as he was beginning his career at MDT. Always remember the great times in the Traffic Unit. Also a great Yellowstone River float in your john boat no less, what were we thinking.
Thanks for all you did for me over the years!
Connie Cullen Lange says
I was so privileged to know Murray through my wonderful and dear friend Teri (classmates starting in first grade, and friends to this day!). Starting in 7th grade, we became best friends rather than acquaintences, and after that I spent many a day at Teri’s home on Highland Street. And I thought that house was so cool — a tri-level! I don’t know how the parents stood all of our constant giggling, but I was always welcome! My most remembered adventure was a camping trip with Teri and the Swenson family in the their tent/trailer when I was 15. Teri and Karen each got to bring a friend, and it was such a fun time. Murray was such a gentle soul, always so loving and generous. He will be remembered fondly, and missed greatly.
Doris says
My deepest condolences. God’s Word says that, death is our enemy, soon, that enemy, will be eliminated forever. (1 Corinthians 15:26; Psalm 83:18) (jw.org)
Catherine Pyke says
A kind, good man whose legacy lives on in his beautiful family members. He made a huge difference with his kindness and will be missed.
Steve Brown says
Teri -Sorry to hear about Murray, he was such a sweet, kind man. I’m sure you get a huge part of your enormous heart from him. I will miss seeing your dad, especially because he was the only guy I knew who still used the term, “frogmen.”
Terry Knighton says
I know the last few days have been hard on you but I hope that you’ve found comfort in the memories that you’ve had of Uncle Murray. I will always remember him as a kind hearted man who knew how to treat his “girls”. He was a great role model for me on the right way to show love and respect to his wife and daughters. We will continue to pray for God to grant you comfort as you go through this time of loss.
Pamela Hawkins says
Knowing him only through Teri, he must have been a most special man and father… I know she treasured him and that he will be greatly missed…
Camille Miller says
Murray, you were “one cool dude “ and it was an honor to know you! I enjoyed our talks when you were here visiting Teri ,Roz & Theron ! Till we meet again!!
Hines family says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in God’s sure promises of a resurrection
as set forth in the Bible Acts 24:15, John 5: 28,29 Those who are raised to life have the prospect
of never again being subject to misery, sickness, or death. Revelation 21:3,4
I hope that reflecting on these thougths will give you some relief during this difficult time.
A friend